DEFIBRILLATORS are an important piece of equipment that could save someone's life when in cardiac arrest - but do you know where they are or how to use them?

Football fans around the world were left in shock over the weekend when Danish footballer Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark's Euro 2020 opening fixture against Finland.

The 29-year-old was given emergency CPR, involving a defibrillator, on the pitch which ultimately saved his live.

The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is “stable” and set to remain in hospital, the Danish football federation has said.

The emergency incident has led to calls for more defibrillators to be placed at football grounds and other public spaces across the country.

The Leader previously reported on useful tips on how to perform CPR.

This shocking incident has showcased the importance of defibrillators and how they can save a life.

However, if you were caught in an emergency would you know where to go to get a defibrillator unit.

According to the NHS 111 Wales website, there are 122 defibrillator locations in Wrexham and 196 in Flintshire.

How can defibrillators help?

After a cardiac arrest, a defibrillator can shock the heart back into a normal rhythm.

Defibrillators are simple and safe to use, and will not shock unless it is appropriate.

They are available to the public in busy locations like shopping centres, sports stadiums and train stations across the UK.

Where are defibrillators in Wrexham and Flintshire?

It is important to note that you should always ring 999 before searching for a defibrillator of your own; medical professionals will guide you to the nearest working defibrillator as some on this list may be out of operation by the time you need to use them.

Some locations in Flintshire include the Wepre Park visitor centre, multiple schools and fire stations and Mcdonalds in Mold.

In Wrexham there is Wrexham Golf Club, St Johns Ambulance and several schools.

The full list can be found online at https://111.wales.nhs.uk/LocalServices/default.aspx?s=DefibrillatorLocations&locale=en#

Another useful online resource is Heart Safe, an online map which indicates where your nearest defibrillator is.

However, the site is reliant on owner of the defibrillator registering it on the site - but it does state where a few are in Wrexham and Flintshire.

One 24-hour site is at Construction Site Security Hut, Chester Road West in Deeside with unrestricted access.

How to use a defibrillator?

According to the British Heart Foundation, they state: "If you come across someone who is unconscious, unresponsive, not breathing or not breathing normally, they’re in cardiac arrest. The most important thing is to call 999 and start CPR to keep the blood flowing to the brain and around the body. After a cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces someone's chance of survival by 10 per cent.

"If you're on your own, don't interrupt the CPR to go and get a defibrillator. If it's possible, send someone else to find one. When you call 999, the operator can tell you if there's a public access defibrillator nearby."

To use a defibrillator, follow these simple steps:

  • Step 1: Turn the defibrillator on by pressing the green button and follow its instructions.
  • Step 2: Peel off the sticky pads and attach them to the patient’s skin, one on each side of the chest, as shown in the picture on the defibrillator.
  • Step 3: Once the pads have been attached, stop CPR and don’t touch the patient. The defibrillator will then analyse the patient’s heart rhythm.
  • Step 4: The defibrillator will assess whether a shock is needed and if so, it will tell you to press the shock button. An automatic defibrillator will shock the patient without prompt. Do not touch the patient while they are being shocked.
  • Step 5: The defibrillator will tell you when the shock has been delivered and whether you need to continue CPR.
  • Step 6: Continue with chest compressions and rescue breaths until the patient shows signs of life or the defibrillator tells you to stop so it can analyse the heartbeat again.