The Voice is calling on readers to consider how they might help improve access to potentially life-saving devices across our area.
Our investigations have shown that even when defibrillators have been installed they are not always available around the clock.
For example, at Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green, the devices at Marks & Spencer, Screwfix, Wickes and B&Q can only be reached during shop hours.
A defibrillator in the foyer at Asda is not even registered with the service that informs the emergency services.
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, says it is “absolutely essential” that defibrillators are registered and “emergency ready”.
More devices that are accessible 24 hours a day and are maintained and registered are needed.
THE VOICE newspaper is spearheading a campaign that could save lives in our area.
It raises awareness of the vital role that defibrillators play in saving lives and the importance of having them available for use 24 hours a day and registered with national defibrillator database The Circuit.
It follows an incident in Longwell Green in November where an elderly man was having a suspected heart attack at the crossing of Marsham Way, between Gallagher Shopping Park (also known as Gallagher Retail Park) and Asda.
Passer-by Mandy Shelton immediately called 999 and the call handler asked her if she could fetch a defibrillator in case it was needed.
Mandy says that she was told there was one available at Aspects Leisure Centre.
Mandy said: “This is on the other side of a very busy ring road. A very kind lady offered to go there but a major detour is required through Asda car park, over the bridge across the road, etc. The ambulance arrived and thankfully the defibrillator was not required as the lovely lady returned five minutes after the ambulance.”
The Circuit, which is funded by the British Heart Foundation, provides NHS ambulance services with vital information about defibrillators across the UK so that in those crucial moments after a cardiac arrest, they can be accessed quickly to help save lives.
But operators are sometimes unable to direct people who phone in an emergency to their nearest defibrillator. Every minute lost is crucial.
The website DefibFinder provides information on locations across the UK using data from The Circuit. DefibFinder shows that in the busy shopping area around Aldermoor Way in Longwell Green, there are defibrillators at Marks & Spencer, Screwfix, Wickes and B&Q but they are all only available during the stores’ opening hours.
We also discovered during our research that there is a defibrillator in the foyer at Asda although it does not appear on the DefibFinder website and it is only available during store opening times.
Anyone responsible for looking after a defibrillator should register the device at www.thecircuit.uk
Jane Whichello, head of volunteering and community services at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, says it is “absolutely essential” that defibrillators are registered and “emergency ready”.
The Circuit helps ensure defibrillators are maintained by sending regular email reminders to check them over and let guardians know when the pads expire.
Then not only does South Western Ambulance Service have access to the location of the equipment, but emergency call handlers can be confident the defibrillator they are directing members of the public to is in full working order.
We hope this campaign will encourage more traders and community groups to consider applying for funding or fundraising for defibrillators that can be accessed round the clock..
Mandy Shelton says that considering the amount of footfall the area generates, especially with the new units being built in the Aldermoor Way area, more defibrillators should be available: “It may be costly but if it can save one life out of the thousands that shop there, surely it is worth it.”
Defibrillators are easy to use with clear instructions, and training is not required. You can familiarise yourself now with your nearest one at https://www.defibfinder.uk/
24/7 potential lifesaver
Siston Parish Council has recently bought a new defibrillator with a donation from Kingswood Rotary Club.
With the permission of The Horseshoe pub at Siston Common, it has been installed on the outside wall, near the doorway and can be accessed 24 hours a day.
The parish council is grateful to WD Electrical 247 which installed it for a reduced price.
