Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anytime and anywhere. It is different from a heart attack, which is when blood flow to the heart is blocked. A sudden cardiac arrest is when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating. When someone is having a cardiac arrest they would typically display no visible signs of life.
Defibrillation is the only known form of treatment for a cardiac arrest. A defibrillator is a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart through the chest wall to someone who is in cardiac arrest. This high energy shock is called defibrillation.
The iPAD SP1 stands for Intelligent Public Access Defibrillator (SP1 model) and is designed for use by anyone in an emergency situation. Training is not necessary as the device provides clear visual and audible instructions and has a simple switch to enable it for use on an adult or child.
The iPAD SP1 supports over 75% of NHS Ambulance Services and is a defibrillator of choice by the British Heart Foundation.