The first of 30 lifesaving defibrillators across West Lindsey has been installed in Market Rasen.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are portable devices that can be used on someone having a heart attack. They check the heart rhythm and send an electric shock to the heart to try and restore it to normal. In the event of someone suffering a cardiac arrest, the time it takes to administer aid is critical. The new defibrillator at the Festival Hall has been secured by Market Rasen Town Council.
Conservative-led West Lindsey District Council recently voted, on a cross party basis, to support a scheme providing thirty communities across the district with fully equipped and fitted defibrillators. Each location will receive a defibrillator and fitted external cabinet.
Cllr. Mrs. Sheila Bibb, Conservative Chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee at West Lindsey District Council said:
“As a Local Authority we recognise the role we can play in supporting our local communities to be safe and healthy places to live.
“Having access to a nearby defibrillator can greatly reduce the amount of time it takes to administer lifesaving support. They give the best possible chance for someone to survive until medical services arrive.”
The Council is working in partnership with the charity LIVES. They have 700 volunteers who give up their spare time to respond to 999 medical emergencies in their communities across greater Lincolnshire, helping more than 20,000 people each year. They get there fast to deliver that vital immediate care to their neighbours in those critical first moments before handing over to the ambulance service. Ms Nikki Silver, Chief Executive of LIVES, added:
“About 1 in 80 of the patients we help are in cardiac arrest and that is why our responders carry defibrillators.
“We know that immediate CPR and defibrillation within those first moments increases the chances of survival to 70%. That is why public access defibrillators and local communities learning CPR play such a critical role in the chain of survival – everyone can save a life.
“We were absolutely thrilled that West Lindsey District Council has undertaken such an initiative to help increase the number of public access defibrillators and help to save lives.”
Conservative District Councillor for the Market Rasen ward, Cllr. Thomas Smith, added:
“The statistics are remarkable; there is a seventy percent increase in the chance of survival if a defibrillator unit is available. If this unit helps save someone’s life then it is a very good decision.
“I am confident that work to make the public more aware of the location of the units within the town, together with supporting open training for members of the public, will assist enormously. Community health is a really important issue and I believe that this is one vital step to sustain it.”
