Tuesday 30th September 2014 – 3.05pm – Suzie Wheaton.
ASDA stores throughout Staffordshire have now been fitted with lifesaving defibrillators.
The specialist devices are being installed in all ASDA’s stores throughout the country in conjunction with the British Heart Foundation. A defibrillator is a device that can be used to restart someone’s heart when they’ve suffered a cardiac arrest. These machines are extremely easy to use, meaning people of all ages and walks of life can provide emergency care to those who need it, quickly and effectively prior to the arrival of an ambulance.
Over the last few months members of staff from the retailer have undertaken training in the use of the lifesaving equipment and first aid to ensure that if any shoppers become seriously ill whilst at the centre, they are given the best possible chance of survival.
WMAS Community Response Manager, Matt Heward said: “The ambulance service strongly believes that by having defibrillators installed in public places, such as shopping centres, schools and business premises, and having people trained in their use and basic first aid techniques, really can help to save lives.
“It is excellent news that ASDA has recognised the importance of installing such lifesaving equipment nationally. Eighty-five percent of those people who suffer cardiac arrests have the ability to be corrected by defibrillation. The quicker someone is defibrillated, not only improves the chance of their survival but it can also help to improve the chances of a patient’s full recovery and reduce the time to do so. For every minute a patient is in cardiac arrest, their chance of survival decreases by 10 percent.”
Bev Capon, Community life Champion at ASDA said “I can safely speak for all Asda store managers and colleagues when I say we are proud to part of this fantastic initiative.
“Here at Asda Tunstall we have had cause to use our defibrillator when one of our colleagues suffered a cardiac arrest in store. The colleague made a full recovery and is now enjoying his retirement with his family.
“If we can help save just one life in our local community, then the device location will be more than worthwhile.
“We have colleagues in every store who are trained in the use of the defibrillator and we have made all surrounding retailers aware of its location so that in an emergency they will know it is at hand.”
Following the national roll out Asda Tunstall now has a spare defib, which it would love to home within the local community. If you are a business owner, work in a sports club or in any other public area, that you think would benefit from receiving a free defib and training please contact WMAS Community Response Manager, Matt Heward via Matthew.heward@wmas.nhs.uk
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