A message from Liz Waterman - Defibrillator co-ordinator

 

For the benefit of new residents and to act as a refresher for others I thought it would be useful to outline the basics of how to access the defibrillator and how to deploy it.

 

I would however like to start by thanking the team of defibrillator guardians who have checked and cleaned the defibrillator on a weekly basis since its installation ensuring it has remained operational throughout.  I would also like to thank the magazine production team and the village website who ensure that each month's guardian contact details are available in case of deployment or problems (see above).

 

The defibrillator is sited on the front outside wall of the Reading Room and is in a cabinet accessed via a key code.  If you dial 999 you will be given the code to the cabinet if you are located close to it or they may ask if you have access to a defibrillator.  

 

When the money was raised by the village to install the defibrillator, every household was given the code and a basic instruction card.  If you are new to the village or have lost the information do call in to collect a key fob with the code from me.

 

When you first come across a suspected cardiac arrest you should dial 999 and stay with the person. If you are with someone else at the scene one person can go and access the defibrillator and bring it to you.  While waiting for the defibrillator you should check whether the person is breathing and if not commence chest compressions.  Place your hands one on top of the other in the centre of the chest then push down hard and release in time to the tempo of the Bee Gees song “stayin alive”.  The ambulance call handler will stay on the line until medical help arrives and they will help you with the timing.