How much does a defibrillator cost? Price of life saving device, where to buy a defib and how effective one is

Medics used a defibrillator to resuscitate Christian Eriksen after the Denmark midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest during a match at Euro 2020
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Christian Eriksen's shocking collapse during Denmark's Euro 2020 match against Finland has brought the importance of defibrillators into the spotlight.

The Danish player is continuing his recovery in hospital just days after suffering a cardiac arrest, which required medical attention and CPR on the pitch as the game was brought to a halt.

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It has sparked a wider debate looking into the accessibility of defibrillators across sports clubs and public venues in the UK, cost and how to use the potentially lifesaving equipment.

Defibrillators can come with LCD displays to provide on screen instruction, voice instructions, and instant feedback so the rescuer knows the quality and effectiveness of their CPR. (Pic: Getty)Defibrillators can come with LCD displays to provide on screen instruction, voice instructions, and instant feedback so the rescuer knows the quality and effectiveness of their CPR. (Pic: Getty)
Defibrillators can come with LCD displays to provide on screen instruction, voice instructions, and instant feedback so the rescuer knows the quality and effectiveness of their CPR. (Pic: Getty)
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How much does a defibrillator cost?

Christian Eriksen's shocking collapse during Denmark's Euro 2020 match against Finland has brought the importance of defibrillators into the spotlight. (Pic: Getty)Christian Eriksen's shocking collapse during Denmark's Euro 2020 match against Finland has brought the importance of defibrillators into the spotlight. (Pic: Getty)
Christian Eriksen's shocking collapse during Denmark's Euro 2020 match against Finland has brought the importance of defibrillators into the spotlight. (Pic: Getty)

The cost of a defibrillator can vary depending on model and its features from around £800 up to £2,500, according to information published by St John Ambulance.

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A defibrillator, officially known as an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), provides an electric shock to the heart when it has stopped beating normally after a cardiac arrest.

It works by checking the heart rhythm of the casualty once the defibrillator pads are placed on their chest and giving them a shock if needed.

Defibrillators can come with LCD displays to provide on screen instruction, voice instructions, and instant feedback so the rescuer knows the quality and effectiveness of their CPR.

Where can you buy a defibrillator?

Defibrillators can be purchased from a variety of places online and in person, including the British Heart Foundation, St John Ambulance, First Aid and Red Cross.

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Defibrillators can be used on adults and children over the age of one so it is important to take into account the following four key points when purchasing a defibrillator:

- who is likely to need the defibrillator;

- where the defibrillator will be stored;

- training required to use the defibrillator;

- educating the community of the defibrillator's location, accessibility and how to use it.

How effective is a defibrillator?

NHS England data published on 10 June 2021 shows that 5.9% of people who received resuscitation by ambulance staff out of hospital were still alive after 30 days of cardiac arrest.

St John Ambulance says that using a defibrillator before an ambulance arrives can "significantly increase" someone's chance of survival.

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Information from the Resuscitation Council UK shows that survival rates fall by 10% every minute without defibrillation, and that using a defibrillator within three minutes of a cardiac arrest can improve a person's chances of survival by as much as 70%.

Doctors described Eriksen as “gone” briefly from his cardiac arrest before one round of electric shock from the defibrillator restarted his heart.

The 29-year-old received immediate medical attention on the pitch and was taken to hospital for further assessment where he is currently recovering.

The Inter Milan midfielder sent a first public message on Monday after speaking with teammates from his hospital bed, where he wished them well for the rest of Euro 2020.

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