Local MP, Huw Merriman, joined local councillors and residents for the installation of a new publicly accessible defibrillator at Broad Oak Village Hall last Friday. This is the fifth defibrillator to be installed in the village communities around Heathfield to ensure a better chance of survival for anyone unfortunate enough to suffer a heart attack.
The installations have been made possible by the hard work of local residents’ campaign group, ResusitUs, which has been raising funds and gathering support for more publicly accessible defibrillators (also known as AEDs) and more CPR training for the rural communities east of Heathfield. So far the group has installed AEDs in the villages of Bodle Street Green, Rushlake Green, Punnetts Town and Cade Street. Further AEDs are planned for Three Cups Corner and Old Heathfield in the coming months.
ResusitUs campaigner and former Wealden District Councillor Nigel McKeeman said “In the case of a sudden heart attack it is unlikely that an ambulance would be able to reach the victim within the first ten minutes during which resuscitation with CPR and defibrillation is essential for survival.”
The result of this community effort will be the creation of a network of local defibrillators helping to protect some rural 2,500 households. As well as donations from local residents, the AED equipment has been made possible with support and funding from Heathfield Parish Council, Warbleton Parish Council, Wealden District Council, The Police Property Fund and the British Heart Foundation. The campaign has been supported and guided by South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) and Heathfield Community First Responder.
Campaigner and former Wealden Councillor, Ray Cade said “A heart attack can affect anyone at any age and without warning. It is essential that our rural communities are equipped to help people who have suffered an attack until the emergency services arrive. As well as the AEDs it is vital that we have people in every community who know how to perform CPR to ensure a heart attack victim has the best chance of survival.”
Huw Merriman said “I am hugely impressed by this local campaign. The stark fact is that every 3 minutes someone has a heart attack in the UK and it is vital to get medical aid to a heart attack victim straight away. I would encourage local residents to take part in the free CPR training organised by ResusitUs and learn more about AEDs. As a local resident, I have signed up for CPR training.”
To find our more or to take part in a free CPR training session contact Ray Cade on 01435 864453.
Someone who has had a cardiac arrest will be unconscious and won’t be breathing normally. If you see someone having a cardiac arrest, you can increase the person's chances of survival by phoning 999 and giving them immediate CPR.