The SAMS defibrillator

SAMS has a defibrillator at the back of the prayer hall, behind the screens. Appropriately it is called ‘Rescue SAM’.

A defibrillator is a device that gives a high-energy electric shock to the heart of someone whose heart has stopped - this is known as cardiac arrest. This shock is called a ‘defibrillation’ and can be a life-saving intervention above and beyond the benefit of maintaining circulation through the delivery of chest compressions (CPR).

The defibrillator is ‘fully automatic’ and designed to be used by anyone, with no training required, but the more familiar and comfortable we all are with this the better. Therefore, I implore you to check out the short YouTube clip we’ve made demonstrating how it is used. To find it, search on the internet for ‘Rescue SAM defibrillator and how to use’ and the instruction video will be the first page displayed.

Anyone can use a defibrillator and you don’t need training. Once you turn it on, it will give clear instructions on how to attach the defibrillator pads. The device checks the heart rhythm and will only tell you to shock if it’s needed. You can’t shock someone accidentally.

Here’s a step-by-step guide of what to do in the very rare event that the defibrillator is required:

Call for help (also ask someone to call 999 straight away) > If no pulse start CPR > follow defibrillator instructions ASAP

  1. Turn the defibrillator on by pressing the green button and following its instructions.

  2. Peel off the sticky pads and attach them to the patient’s skin, one on each side of the chest, as shown in the picture on the defibrillator.

  3. Once the pads have been attached, stop CPR and don’t touch the patient. The defibrillator will then check the patient’s heart rhythm.

  4. The defibrillator will decide whether a shock is needed and if so, it will tell you to press the shock button. An automatic defibrillator will shock the patient without prompt. Don’t touch the patient while they are being shocked.

  5. The defibrillator will tell you when the shock has been delivered and whether you need to continue CPR.

  6. Continue with chest compressions until the patient shows signs of life or the defibrillator tells you to stop so it can analyse the heartbeat again.