Defibrillators in the borough of Rochdale

If a person suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, sometimes a high energy electric shock can restore a more stable rhythm and save their life.

This is called defibrillation and is done using a machine called a defibrillator. These are sometimes known as 'defibs' or automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

There are 2 types of defibrillators:

  • Community Public Access Defibrillator (CPAD): placed inside an external, locked cabinet, in the community that can be opened with a code provided by the 999 call taker should it be needed.
  • Static defibrillator: placed inside a building and available for as long as the building remains open, such as an office between 9am–5pm.

What to do if you witness a cardiac arrest

Start CPR and ring 999 if you witness a person in cardiac arrest.

The ambulance operators will direct you to the defibrillator if there is one nearby. They will also provide you with a code, if required, to unlock the cabinet. The defibrillator will talk you through ​what to do until the paramedics arrive.

A person's chances of surviving a cardiac arrest can be tripled if defibrillation is done early enough.

Locations of defibrillators

Defib Finder uses data from The Circuit, the national defibrillator network, to help you find information about the nearest defibrillators to you.

Register a defibrillator

It's really important that the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) know where all the defibrillators are in our borough. They use this information to direct 999 callers to their nearest defibrillator in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest and also to identify areas where defibrillators are needed.

If your organisation, business or school has a defibrillator you can register it on The Circuit, the national defibrillator network, and help save lives.

Helpful videos

Here are some videos about cardiac arrest and defibrillators that you may find helpful.