How the defibrillator saved a patient's life

Initially it was quite a struggle just getting the partners to agree that purchasing a defibrillator would benefit the practice. We did not even have to pay as the Friends of the Health Centre kindly raised the money.

The equipment was installed in the nurses' treatment room and gradually gathered dust. “Does the defibrillator work?” and “I bet the batteries aren't charged” were some of the jocular comments from the partners.

We had a couple of attempts at resuscitation, the equipment worked well, but unfortunately the patient did not survive. It was decided to hold …