Friday 25th April 2014 – 1.20pm – Chris Kowalik.
A paramedic and her healthcare consultant husband have been instrumental in getting a defibrillator into the Shropshire village they had just moved into and teaching people how to use it.
Paramedic Jo Mitton-Gore and her husband Daniel recently moved into Ratlinghope where fundraising had already begun for the lifesaving device.
The need for it was highlighted by medical incidents in the area which is a popular attraction for walkers and mountain-bikers.
Jo said: “The local community were already raising money for it so when we moved into the village we said we could help in getting one.
“The defibrillator will be on a wall, secure but still publicly available outside The Bridges pub. The pub was chosen because it’s a focal point for the community and is well supported by landlords Peter and Sarah Crouch. One of the villagers, Colin Hughes, is even arranging the security cabinet for it!”
Peter Crouch said: “We have been wanting to secure an An External Defibrillator for the local community for some time, we are really pleased we have now been able to do so. Our local community have been very generous.”
Daniel Gore added: “It is fantastic that local people within the community have come forward and are willing to train and be called upon should the need arise. Being able to get a defibrillator to a patient much more quickly will really benefit patients”.
A defibrillator is a device that could restart the heart of someone who suffers a cardiac arrest. Supported by West Midlands Ambulance Service, 15 villagers were trained in its use and in delivering CPR with more to follow.
In the near future, the device will go ‘live’ and be registered with West Midlands Ambulance Service’s control rooms. In the event of a cardiac arrest in the area, the caller to 999 will be given instructions on how to access the device.
Ends
Note to Editors:
A “cardiac arrest” is not a “heart attack”.