A new defibrillator for Bridgemere has been hailed as a ‘potential life-saver’ by Cheshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
The new piece of equipment will be placed in a building at Bridgemere Primary School by Doddington and District Parish Council.
The defib was bought through a grant from PCC David Keane’s Community Police Fund.
The fund uses money generated from seizure of assets of convicted criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
It’s one of 122 individual grants being handed out to each of the 122 policing communities in Cheshire.
Community police officers and PCSOs have been working with residents to develop bids of up to £1,000 to fund projects.
According to the British Heart Foundation, for every minute’s delay in getting a defibrillator to someone suffering from cardiac arrest, their chances of survival are reduce by 10%.
Mr Keane (pictured) said: “In the more rural parts of our community it is not always as easy for our emergency services to reach those who need help as quickly as they would in more urban areas.
“Whether it’s road or cycle accidents, or someone suffering from a heart problem while out walking or jogging, there’s a long list of potential reasons anyone could need this kind of life-saving help.
“In these situations, every second counts so this defibrillator could be a potential life-saver.
“Not only will this scheme provide this vital new piece of equipment, but it will open the door for volunteers to be trained in first aid, providing real peace of mind to the local community.”
Neil Arthur, from Doddington and District Parish Council, said: “This project could potentially save a life.
“It would bring peace of mind to a rural community knowing where a defibrillator could be accessed.
“It would also give the local community a chance to be first aid trained.”
I would like to correct a factual error in this report. As Wybunbury Ward Councillor and a Councillor on the Doddington & District Parish Council, it is important to note that this Defibrillator is NOT going to be placed in a community building in Audlem.
The Doddington & District Parish Council is delighted to have been offered a grant of £1,000 towards the cost of our Defibrillator Project which will be match-funded by the Parish Council and located on the boundary of the Bridgemere CoE Primary School. Following a recent tragic death in the locality where a defibrillator may have made a difference, this grant has enabled the Doddington & District Parish Council to expedite the project and we hope to have it in place (following local training opportunities and installation) as soon as Covid restrictions permit.
Cllr Janet Clowes.