Posted By garyh I am told (by first aiders coming back from refesher training) that we should get a defibrillator. They are apparently now easy to use (in fact you just "connect up n go!) I know there is no legal requirement to do so, the question is, should we? Are they really beneficial? If so what about training? What are other people's experiences. NB do not put the words "do a risk assessment" in your reply. Please.

Posted By Len Newman We have had Defibs for three years and have used once, which we save the persons life and is now back at work. We train with St Johns & retest every year. Also we have a C.D. rom which is on the rounds to each of the members of the team every six months. Their are seven in the team which covers a complex of six buildings. What price do you put on life. Any more info please in touch. Len Newman

Posted By biddy having just finished half a days training with the ambulance service on how to use an Automatic External Defibrillation unit its a great bit of kit and hopefully will never be used but i am thankful we have one on site as it could be mean the difference between life or death for somebody The pre-requisite for attending the course was the possession of a current First Aid certificate

Posted By Steve Buxton I know you didn't want to mention risk assessment so I will just suggest that you consider the following : What is your location i.e rural or urban as this may affect the response times of a Ambulance or Fast response Paramedic. Ignore the location of the nearest ambulance station as dynamic stand by points are used much more now. How many people work in your location and are they of a high risk group. Could your own first aiders become part of the local ambulance service First responders Group,(if they have them) whereby you could actually respond to cardiac emergencies in the local area after being paged/called by the ambulance service (they might also provide you with some of the extra equipment needed). You will need to update the skills of the operators at least every six months (some people recommend every three months for the first year), and you should have policies in place which state very clearly that the defibs should only be used by trained personnel. For about £ 2 - £ 3,000, you will have a wonderful machine that could save someones life.