Lives will surely be saved with Lightwater’s new Defibrillator

Paul Deach of the Surrey Residents Network invited me to join the party installing a Public Access Defibrillator on a wall of Duffy’s Budgens in Lightwater. The white box containing the defibrillator is next to the exit door of Duffy’s Budgens.

My message: tell everybody you know about this facility, and the similar one on the wall of the Bagshot Village Café.

The wonderful nature of the Community Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) programme of the South East Coast Ambulance Service is that it is just that – public access to life saving kit. The even more wonderful thing is that it comes with an on board rescue coach. Simply, when you open the automatic defibrillator voice prompts will talk rescuers through all the steps, including CPR.

The PAD in Lightwater is made by Cardiac Science, who describe it’s value:

“Every community needs to be prepared for sudden cardiac arrest emergencies, which strikes people of all ages and all levels of fitness. Rapid defibrillation is the only effective treatment, and is a proven way to save lives.”

“Defibrillation within three minutes lifts the chance of survival from sudden cardiac arrest to 70 per cent. Local emergency services typically can’t respond that quickly. That’s why every community needs to have an automated external defibrillator on hand – anywhere where two or more gather.”

The funding for the defibrillator is from the South East Coast Ambulance Service. Simon Ramm, the lead of Woking Community First Responders has leant his expertise to establish a defibrillator at Tomlinscote College, and here in Lightwater.

Whom should we thank for this initiative? I hope I get this right. While Paul Deach, with his background as a first responder is an enthusiastic advocate, it’s Pete Glover’s [of the South East Coast Ambulance Service], passion and commitment to saving lives that is the vital impetus. I’ve already mentioned Simon Ramm, who’s passionate about educating schoolchildren to use a defibrillator, and introducing a heart screening programme into schools which will save young lives. Finally, the defibrillator needs a friendly site, and oversight, which is where Mike Duffy’s role is important.

I was delighted to be asked to join the party, and to interview the key players for the Surrey Heath Residents Network. Look out for the interviews, you’ll understand the passion of those involved.

Here are my photos of the event [click to expand]. In the group photo L to R it’s Paul Deach, Gav Singh of Oysters Fish & Chips, Pete Glover, John Dickinson of George Arthur Butchers, Mike Duffy, parish councillor Katia Malcaus Cooper and Simon Ramm.