Accreditation practice pointer: our practice has a defibrillator

GP5.2E Our practice has a defibrillator.

RACGP Standards for general practice.

Every practice must have a defibrillator, which is clearly visible and accessible.  

Automated external defibrillators (AED) can reduce the risk of fatality from cardiac arrest. Often, cardiac arrest is due to ventricular fibrillation that can be returned to a normal sinus rhythm with the use of an AED. On the rare occasion a patient does go into cardiac arrest, a GP needs to be able to take the lead in resuscitation.  

The defibrillator must be maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is crucial that the defibrillator is not exposed to extreme temperatures.