What is a Defibrillator?

Some ASI schools are beginning to look towards a defibrillator as a key part of their overall approach to safety.

In Australia, Pines Surfing Academy based at Wollongong, NSW have added one to their quiver of medical equipment. They ensure the defib is close by during lessons just in case the worst-case scenario happens. In a perfect world it will sit unused for years to come, but it’s nice to have it there in case of an emergency.

What is a Defibrillator?

Defibrillators – are emergency aids in life-threatening situations. The machine is able to restore a normal heartbeat be sending and electric pulse to the heart. They are a vital tool in the prevention and correction of arrhythmia – when the heartbeat is too slow or fast – but critically they can also restore a heartbeat if it suddenly stops.

A defibrillator comes in different packages with differing uses, but the most common to find in a sporting or exercise situation would be the automated external defibrillator (AED). These are becoming more common in public spaces and sporting environments and have been developed to save the life of a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.

One benefit of an AED is that is requires no training to be able to use. This is to enable members of the public the ability to offer life-saving aid in situations where a defib is close by.

Many lifeguard stations will have this piece of equipment to hand in this day and age. AED’s are also becoming more commonplace in towns and cities and chances are if you are paddling inland a defib may be close to hand. Do a few checks of the local area prior to venturing out and perhaps make this a part of the pre-session plan.

About ASI
ASI is a professional membership and training organisation and international governing body for instructors, coaches and schools in the outdoor recreation industry for surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding.
ASI Accredited Schools abide by the high international standards for operations, training and safety.

#ProudToBeASI #ASI_academy #ASIinstructor #ASIschool
#surfing  #surfinginstructor  #surfcoach   #surfcoaching #surfschool #surfwise