23 May 2014

Fareham Borough Council ‘hearts’ defibrillators

Fareham Borough Council has installed lifesaving defibrillators at the Civic Offices, Ferneham Hall and the Council’s Depot.

Each year, 35,000 people experience a heart attack outside of a hospital. The best chance of survival comes from a qualified First Aider equipped with a defibrillator although they are easy to use and can be operated by anyone.

Several qualified First Aiders working in the Council’s buildings have been given full training in CPR and the use of the defibrillators. Debbie Adwent, St John Ambulance Regional Training Manager, said: “It’s wonderful to hear Fareham Borough Council has made this potentially life saving decision and is putting first aid at the heart of the organisation. When someone goes into cardiac arrest time is of the essence. For every minute that passes where there’s no active treatment, the chances of a successful resuscitation reduces by 10%.”

The defibrillators at Fareham Borough Council give clear voice instructions to the user on how to prepare the patient, attach the pads and administer CPR. The device detects the rhythm of the heart and only delivers a shock if necessary and when the heart is in ‘fibrillation’. It is fully automatic, meaning you don’t even have to push a button to deliver a shock and these are coordinated with the timing of your CPR.

Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Conservative Councillor Seán Woodward has said: “The health and safety of the Councils employees and visitors is of upmost priority. Every minute counts in an emergency and the defibrillators help maintain a heartbeat whilst the paramedics are on route.”

ENDS