MORE THAN JUST A DEFIB IN A BOX...



A common definition is that "cPADs are cabinets located on the outside wall of a building so that the AED inside can be accessible 24/7 to anyone in the vicinity who requires it" and this is correct in part. However, CHT coined the term cPAD which after many years has passed into common parlance and as a result, CHT envisages a cPAD to be far more than just a defibrillator in a box..

A cPAD is..

  • A Defibrillator suited to purpose i.e for untrained users
  • A Cabinet that is from an experienced ISO rated manufacturer, IP rated, meeting BSi regulations
  • A Comprehensive Governance Program and ongoing support to ensure the defibrillator is maintained and rescue-ready as often as possible over its lifetime
  • Community Training
  • Insurances addressed
  • Policies and procedures put in place where necessary
  • A resilient and sustainable project

The Community Heartbeat Trust is committed to offering a high standard of community defibrillation project and is the only organization offering a fully holistic and resilient service.

Whilst is it is very easy to simply buy from the internet, just like the placement of playground equipment, there are liabilities involved. The benefits of having community defibrillators are unquestioned, but these are medical devices and come under special guidance. Therefore, our aim is to bring to the attention of communities a holistic view of the issues and process, and offer simple methods of making sure the right equipment, the right processes, the right policies are all followed.

This way everyone wins. Not to address some of these areas is like ignoring the fact you need to know the highway code whilst driving. It does not stop you driving the car, but if an accident happens, it is difficult to explain why the highway code was ignored.

A community defibrillation project is not about a defibrillator and a cabinet. It is much more and should form a central part of any community resilience programme, which will include community training, emergency planning, and emergency communications. Communities also need to be clear and understand there are potential pitfalls, and CHT will always highlight these, then offer a solution to mitigate them.

But above all, it should be done with best practice in mind.

Questions? 

Find out about starting your project or Contact Us.

Disclaimer

Please make sure you have read and understood this disclaimer - It will be assumed that you have read prior to CHT receiving any request. CHT are not responsible for your fund raising, nor your cPAD operations, but may assist in both. CHTs only aim is to support the installation of a cPAD scheme in the most cost effective way possible adhering to Best Practice, and help save lives in your community. This website, and any downloaded information, is for information only on how to go about obtaining and installing a cPAD, and other relevant information. All copyrights and trademarks are recognised. All support for the cPAD will be undertaken by the village committee responsible and via standard manufacturers warranties. Any training organisation will only be responsible for the initial awareness training and not for the functioning or maintenance of the AED. Please do not send any monies to CHT until you have registered your scheme with us, and have agreement from the local ambulance service for the establishment of a cPAD scheme. All schemes must be registered with the local ambulance service (CHT will also undertake this or you can do via this site, but this does not remove responsibility for you to notify the local ambulance service of your AED location). 999/112 (ambulance) must always be called prior to using a cPAD equipment. VAT may be applicable if your organisation is not an eligible body as defined by HMRC. All current or historical claims for VAT will be met by the local community. All schemes will be asked to sign an agreement taking responsibility for their own fund raising and donations to CHT, and then the operation and maintenance of the cPAD equipment. All CHT provided schemes will need to manage their maintenance through the WebNoS online system as a condition of CHT support. It is your responsibility to maintain the equipment in working order and to make sure the local ambulance service is aware of this. WebNoS makes this possible and also acts as an audit trail for management of the equipment. Sites provided by CHT and not using WebNoS may be disengaged from the ambulance service CAD systems. Any web site showing defibrillator locations is for information only, and should not be used in preference to dialling 999. CHT works in close cooperation with the UK ambulance services. Always dial 999 in an emergency

Registered Charity Number - 1132824