Vivest PowerBeat X1 Semi-Automatic Defibrillator

A fully automatic defibrillator delivers a shock automatically and is ideal for use by untrained individuals and the general public.

A semi-automatic defibrillator calculates when the shock needs to be delivered and prompts the user to press a button to administer it. Semi-automatic defibrillators are therefore more suitable for a trained user or healthcare professional.

Read our defibrillator information guide for more information.

Defibrillators can be kept outside but must be kept in specially designed outdoor heated cabinets to protect them against the elements. Defibrillators have an operating temperature, usually between 0 °C to +50 °C, if the temperature falls below 0 °C the defib may not work as expected. Prolonged exposure to low temperatures is likely to significantly shorten the service life of the battery and affect the performance of the pads. Most defibs have an IP Rating of IP55 meaning that prolonged exposure to wind (dust) and rain may also damage the defib meaning that it may not work when required in an emergency.

No, a defibrillator will only shock if a shock is required so you are be unable to shock someone maliciously or by accident. Semi-automatic AEDs will advise responders when a shock is required and responders have to press a button to deliver shock, while fully-auto defibrillators automatically deliver shocks as necessary, if a shock is required. Both kinds of defibs provide clear warnings in advance of a shock being administered so that responders know not to touch the patient at that time.

Until recently, there were no legal requirements to have a defibrillator in any location in the UK. Most workplaces and public spaces currently have no legal requirement to provide an AED, with schools being the exception. The Department for Education have announced that by the end of the academic year 2022/2023, all schools in England should has at least one AED on the premises.

Even without legislation, many businesses and public bodies recognise the life-saving role of an AED and choose to purchase a defib for the workplace or as a public access device (PAD)

Most defibs have a green flashing LED to show that the defib is ready to be used; there are a few models which may show a tick or solid green circle instead. Defibs do daily, weekly and / or monthly self-checks, and if the device finds a fault then it will show a red flashing LED or X instead. It is recommended that defibs should be visually checked on a weekly basis to make sure they are always ready to be used in an emergency. If the red warning is showing it may mean that the pads or batteries require replacement and these should be checked and replacements ordered if necessary. More information can be found in our Defibrillator Maintenance help guide, the user manual for the defib that you have, or contact our team on 0800 612 6537 or support@safelincs.co.uk for help and assistance.