Villagers receive training for life-saving community defibrillator

Villagers receive defibrillator training. (Image: Archant)

Two training sessions were held at Tydd St Giles Golf Club, who raised £2,100 to pay for a defibrillator for the village.

Villagers receive defibrillator training. (Image: Archant)

The crucial piece of equipment, which can make the difference between life and death in the case of a sudden cardiac arrest, is located in a yellow steel cabinet on the outside wall on the front of the clubhouse and can be accessed by anyone in need 24 hours a day.

Eighteen people attended the sessions, which were run by a trainer from the local ambulance trust, and received certificates.

Ladies captain Sue Racey said: “As a rural community in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest although the emergency services respond quickly, the use of the defibrillator in the time before the emergency services arrive could potentially save lives as time is critical.

“The session included basic life support and education regarding the use of a defibrillator.

“We then had practical sessions using adult, child and toddler dummies.

“Everyone enjoyed their training and felt that if they found themselves in an emergency situation they could safely and confidently use the machine now, which is what the training was all about.”

The sessions were made possible by a £600 grant from the Grange Wind Farm Community Fund.

Mrs Racey hopes other villages will follow Tydd St Giles’ lead and raise funds for their own defibrillators.

She said: “The session generated a lot of discussion regarding defibrillator provision in the local community and the fact that the villages around Wisbech are quite rural.

“One participant said she was going to see if Newton could raise money for one.

“It would be great to get all the local villages talking and working together to provide a machine in each village during the next year.”