A new defibrillator has been fitted at St Andrew’s Primary School in Fontmell Magna thanks to fundraising efforts by Farnfields Solicitors, a generous local donation and support from the Parish Council and the School.
Kate Fisher, Assistant Community Responder Officer (Dorset) of the South Western Ambulance Service recently carried out training for local people to demonstrate how the defibrillator worked and how to carry out CPR; Kate said, “Every minute counts when a patient is in cardiac arrest, so it’s really important people learn how to deliver basic life support and how to use a defibrillator. Cardiac arrest does not discriminate against age, gender or levels of fitness and can happen very suddenly. You don’t need training to operate a defibrillator, as it talks you through how to use it. By listening to the instructions and performing CPR you are three times more likely to save a life, than if you do CPR alone.”
Fiona Thomas, Managing Partner of Farnfields added, “We are absolutely delighted to have been able to provide a defibrillator in Fontmell Magna and so pleased that the school gave us / the Parish Council permission to place it on the outside of their building so that it is accessible. The money was raised thanks to the wonderful support of those that participate in our annual charity golf days, staff dress down days and we also received a generous donation. The fundraising and donation enabled us to provide this defibrillator and another at our Gillingham office (with Topsie Rabbit Kindergarten), with a further two to be provided in Sturminster Newton and Warminster.”
The defibrillators are leased from the South Western Ambulance Service for a four year period, the lease can then be renewed after this period. It means that the defibrillators are housed in suitable outside cabinets, remain unlocked for instant access when needed and are regularly monitored by the Ambulance Service.
If you have an AED please ensure it is registered with South Western Ambulance Service via the website http://www.swast.nhs.uk .
