Members of the public were invited to attend a community defibrillator awareness session at Ludlow DVSA following the installation of their community defibrillator. The fundraising campaign was completed in just 4 months after receiving support from local organisations. The campaign was led by DVSA examiner Gareth Price but kind donations helped conclude the project, thanks go to Premier Medical Group, Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors, D.R.E & Co Chartered Accountants, Whittingham Riddell Chartered Accountants and the support from local driving instructors.
Whilst defibrillators are easy to use it is great that members of this group are better prepared in the event of an emergency. A defibrillator is a device that gives a high-energy electric shock to the heart through the chest wall to someone who is in cardiac arrest. Providing an essential and potentially life-saving, stage in the treatment of anyone suffering a cardiac arrest.
Our awareness courses are designed to demonstrate just how easy it is to use a defibrillator but also show how to access one in an emergency. The session allows for questions and aims to offer reassurance and structure in what can be an extremely stressful time. Anyone wishing to book on a course should check out our events page on facebook or contact us on 01785 472224 to arrange one of your own.
A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time and following the four steps in the chain of survival can help to increase the patient chances of survival.
- Call 999
- Commence CPR
- Early Defibrillation
- Early Advanced Life Support
Anyone needing a defibrillator should call 999 in the first instance and the call handler will advise where the nearest one is and how to access it. If effective CPR and a defibrillator can be applied within the first 3-5 minutes of collapse the chances of survival for the victim can increase from 6%-74%. Without immediate treatment, 90%-95% of patients will die.
Jamie Richards (CEO AEDdonate) said ” Gareth and his team have worked hard to raise the funds but it just goes to show what can happen when everyone pulls together. A fantastic addition to the community”