Friday 18th September 2015 – 8.30am – Jamie Arrowsmith.
A trip to the police station might not be everyone’s idea of time well spent, but it could now be a life-saver thanks to the installation of a defibrillator.
Based at Cheslyn Hay Police Post on Station Street, the defibrillator is available to use 24/7 and West Midlands Ambulance Service will be hosting three free training sessions in the village to help residents feel comfortable should they ever need to use it.
Community First Responder and Public Governor for West Midlands Ambulance Service Paul Dadge visited Cheslyn Hay Parish Council to encourage them to apply to the British Heart Foundation for funding and they were successful in being awarded a £400 grant.
The Parish Council provided the remainder of the funds before agreeing with Staffordshire Police that it could be located at the Police Post, in the centre of the village.
Councillor Steve Hollis, Chairman of Cheslyn Hay Parish Council said: “We are delighted to have been able to provide the local community with a defibrillator that can be used at any time of the day or night.
“Whilst we hope it never needs to be used, it could prove essential in saving a life as those vital minutes and seconds during a cardiac arrest can make all the difference.”
Mr Dadge added: “I’m sure everyone has seen stories where the use of a defibrillator has helped save a life.
“For every minute that someone is in cardiac arrest, their chance of survival reduces by ten per cent.
“I hope plenty of people will attend the training sessions and feel ready and confident to use the defibrillator in the event of a medical emergency.”
The two-hour training sessions are free to attend and will take place at Cheslyn Hay Parish Council Village Hall, Pinfold Lane, on Thursday, 1st October, Thursday, 22nd October and Saturday, 14th November. All sessions start at 1.30pm and places can be booked by calling 01922 410483.
Ends
Notes to Editors:
Picture caption – Pictured (l-r) PCSO Gareth Lloyd, Sgt Carolyn Higgins, WMAS Public Governor – Paul Dadge, Councillor Steve Hollis and WMAS Community Defibrillation Facilitator – Keith Dawson. Please credit the image to West Midlands Ambulance Service.
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