The defibrillators can be found at key sites around the village. Early defibrillation markedly improves survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest. Consequently, we’ve placed the devices where they can be accessed quickly. For instance, in areas that have high footfall (train station and village centre), with a high density of people (The Colleton School and Longfield Road) and at sports grounds (King George’s Field and Stanlake Meadow).
A team of ‘Defibrillator Guardians’ check the defibrillators every week to ensure they are available and in good working order. Unfortunately, the Bell Corner defibrillator was found to be missing in Sep 2017. The Ambulance Service confirmed that it had not been used in any recent local medical emergencies in the area and had, most likely, been stolen. Thankfully, the good people of Twyford donated to a crowdfunding campaign to replace the defibrillator.
Five PADs were joint funded by Age Concern Twyford and District; Twyford Parish Council; The David Brownlow Charitable Foundation and a local business who would prefer to remain anonymous. The remaining four were funded by The British Heart Foundation. But the donations didn’t stop there. For instance, Dave Chambers from Chambers Property Services installed most of the devices for free.
All the defibrillators are registered with the ambulance service. In an emergency, call 999. They will advise you of the closest defibrillator and how to access it. You will be given a code to unlock the cabinet and told what to do.
Twyford and Wargrave First Responders is a group of volunteers who are called to attend emergencies in the village and surrounding areas. When a heart attack occurs, every minute counts. As they live locally, First Responders can usually get to the scene within five minutes. They’re trained in advanced First Aid including CPR. This can make a crucial difference to the survival chances of the victim before the ambulance arrives.
Defibrillators are simple and safe to use, and will not shock unless it’s appropriate.
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It’s a life saving medical procedure which is given to someone who is in cardiac arrest. It helps to pump blood around the person’s body when their heart can’t. To carry out CPR, a person presses up and down on the casualty’s chest (chest compressions) and gives them a series of rescue breaths to help save their life when they are in cardiac arrest.
Check out this guide on the British Heart Foundation website.
No, you can do ‘Hands-only’ CPR as shown by Vinnie Jones.