Our Guide in Support of the British Heart Foundation

At Redpath Bruce, we are proud to support the vital work of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in raising awareness about heart health and saving lives across the UK. One of the most critical ways we can all make a difference is by knowing how to respond in a cardiac emergency. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike at any time, and immediate action with CPR and a defibrillator can drastically improve a person’s chances of survival. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the basics of using a defibrillator and how to perform CPR—life-saving skills that everyone should know.

What is CPR and Why is it Important?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a technique used to maintain blood flow to the brain and heart when someone’s heart has stopped beating. In the case of sudden cardiac arrest, every minute that passes without intervention reduces the chance of survival by 10%. CPR helps keep the blood circulating and buys time until professional help arrives.

Steps for Performing CPR

If you witness someone collapse and they are unresponsive or not breathing normally, follow these steps:

Check for Response: Gently tap the person and shout to see if they are responsive. If they do not respond, call 999 immediately.

Open the Airway: Tilt the person’s head back slightly to open their airway and check for normal breathing. If they are not breathing or only gasping, begin CPR.

Perform Chest Compressions: Kneel beside the person.

Place the heel of one hand on the centre of their chest, and the other hand on top of the first.

Press down hard and fast, about 5-6 cm deep, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute (approximately to the beat of the song “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees).

Allow the chest to rise fully between compressions.

Continue chest compressions until emergency services arrive or a defibrillator is available.

How to Use a Defibrillator (AED)

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device designed to restart the heart of someone in cardiac arrest by delivering a controlled electric shock. AEDs are found in many public places, and they are user-friendly with step-by-step instructions provided by voice prompts.

Turn on the Defibrillator: Locate the nearest AED and switch it on. Most AEDs will have clear voice instructions to guide you through the process.

Attach the Pads: The AED will have two adhesive pads—place one pad on the upper right side of the person’s chest, and the other on the lower left side, just below the armpit.

Follow the AED Instructions: The AED will analyse the heart’s rhythm to determine whether a shock is needed. Stand clear of the person when the AED checks the rhythm.

Administer a Shock (if advised): If the AED advises a shock, ensure everyone is standing clear, then press the shock button when prompted.

Resume CPR: After delivering the shock, resume CPR immediately and follow any further instructions from the AED. The AED may advise another shock after a few minutes, but continue CPR in between shocks if necessary.

Why Knowing This Matters

The British Heart Foundation reports that there are over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year, and survival rates without prompt intervention are devastatingly low. The availability of defibrillators and widespread CPR training are key to improving these statistics. Redpath Bruce is committed to supporting the BHF’s efforts in making defibrillators more accessible and educating the public on these life-saving techniques.

This blog provides general information for educational purposes and should not replace formal CPR and AED training. We encourage everyone to seek certified training from recognised organisations such as the British Heart Foundation. When using an AED or performing CPR, always call emergency services first and follow their guidance.

By taking the time to learn CPR and how to use a defibrillator, you could make a real difference. At Redpath Bruce, we believe that supporting heart health initiatives is one way we can give back to the communities that have supported us for generations. Let’s all do our part in helping save lives.

Stay safe, stay informed, and take action—it could make all the difference.