Nine Cheshire West and Chester Councillors, including Weaver & Cuddinton Ward Councillors Charles Fifield, John Grimshaw and Alan Mckie have used money from their Member Budgets to buy 22 heart defibrillators with the aim of saving lives across Northwich.
Defibrillators bought by the Councillors can so far be found in Arabica Café, Moss Farm, Weaverham Community Centre, Cuddington & Sandiway Village Hall, Northwich Information Centre, Hartford College and Delamere Park Community Centre. More locations are coming on stream weekly.
Defibrillators were also purchased for Acton Bridge Parish Rooms (to be installed shortly), whilst Dutton Parish Council have donated theirs onto the St John’s Ambulance in Weaverham which was first “on duty” at the Northwich Festival last month.
Councillor Fifield said: “This is such important equipment which can save lives if used quickly and correctly.
“The defibrillators have gone or are about to go into a wide variety of locations where people are also signed up for training courses on how to use the specialized equipment, and are in locations often used or accessed by local people, community or sporting groups.”
A defibrillator is a device that is used to shock a person in a cardiac arrest, it is very easy and safe to use and will only shock someone if they require it.
Northwest Ambulance Service is supporting the scheme and will be aware of all the defibrillator locations so in an emergency, please dial 999 and you will be directed to the nearest one.
Recent research and study has shown that someone who has a sudden cardiac arrest and is administered a shock, has a much improved chance of survival than someone who is not shocked. An effective response time to administer the shock is under eight minutes.
The Heart Start scheme has been rolling out training which is supported by the British Heart Foundation and teaches basic life support.
Heart Start courses will be run on a frequent basis and open to anyone. Or if you have a group of 8-10 people who would like to undertake this two hour training, an instructor can be arranged to train your group.
The Heart Start Scheme is registered with the British Heart Foundation, supported by the Cheshire Chain of Survival and all training is being provided by the Northwest Ambulance Service.
If you are interested in becoming an instructor or undergo Heart Start training please contact Mark Simmons, 01606 288843 mark.simmons@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
