Automated external defibrillators (AED) are a computerised device that can analyse heart rhythms and enable non-qualified people to deliver a life-saving shock with just a little training.

The inspiration behind our Heart of the Community campaign was a Kimberley man whose life was saved in a pub last month when he suffered a massive heart attack. It was the first time the club steward had used the machine since it was bought six years previously.

With such an uplifting event happening right on our doorstep, our aim is to encourage key locations, such as pubs, clubs, shops, village halls and community and leisure centres, to site an AED in the event of an emergency - and we intend to show you how simple, and essential, the machine can be.

Every year, refresher courses are held for anyone using defibrillators. This week the first aiders at Ikea Nottingham were given instructions on how to use the life-saving machines - and we were there for a first-hand account of how important the use of an automated external defibrillator can be.

Like the majority of people, the only knowledge of defibrillators and chest compressions I had before sitting in on the training session at Giltbrook's Ikea store was watching doctors on TV dramas shout "Clear!" before the patient was shocked using hand-held paddles.

I had imagined it would be a very difficult and dangerous procedure with plenty of scope for mistake - but I was about to be proved wrong! The reality was much simpler than I expected.

As our Heart of the Community campaign concentrates on getting more defibrillators into community venues, I joined the training session at the point the head, shoulders and torso of a dummy was laid out on the floor, just as a collapsed patient would be, and the defib was at hand.

Staff who had already learned how to use the machine explained the procedure of checking the area is safe, both for the patient and first aider; shaking and calling the casualty for a response and checking their airways and breathing. Then I stepped forward when it was - hypothetically - assessed there was need for a defib.

As soon as the case was opened a voice began to explain just what to do: I was told to place two sticky pads on either side of the 'patient's' chest and wait as it analysed the heartbeat and the necessary action. It told me shock was advised and, after checking no-one was touching any part of the casualty, I simply pressed the flashing red button - and the machine did the rest.

The wires linking the pads with the machine deliver the shock so the responsibility is taken away from the operator.

The voice continued to prompt, saying chest compressions were necessary. And even for someone's who has never trained in First Aid before, with directions from the trainer, Pete Winson, the action was simple.

The AED even began bleeping at just the time a compression was needed so it was easy to keep a steady rhythm.

I had two attempts at using the AED and each time was amazed at how easy it was to use. And even if you do something wrong, the automated voice will tell you the mistake so it can be corrected. The procedure is also perfectly safe.

In reality there is, of course, far more to take into account: the patient must not be wet or touching water; their chest must be completely bare and they must not be touching metal as it can conduct electricity and result in burns.

An ambulance must be called at the earliest opportunity, but the defibrillator will give your patient every chance of survival until the professionals take over.

My trainer, Pete Winson, formerly of Nottingham Ambulance Service, is now a mobile Community First Responder who is despatched to attend emergency call-outs when an ambulance is on its way. They provide a vital life-saving link between the patient and the arrival of paramedics.

They also teach First Aid and AED use to co-responders, who are based at a fixed station - and he was the man who trained John Harvey when Frank Woods was shocked back to life with a defib.

He said: "A lot of people think defibs are dangerous, but they are given spoken instructions which takes the onus off operators.

We can train anyone to do it. We can't guarantee what will happen but it gives doctors a viable patient to work on.

"It's really important we have AEDs in the public domain. For more information and a clear illustration of just what I and the other trainees were asked to do, log onto to our website.