Heart attack survivor backs latest defibrillator plan for Cambridgeshire
More devices have been installed by the county council
A Cambridgeshire man saved thanks to a defibrillator has said more devices being installed can help save more lives.
The county council's installed 13 new devices at its offices, which will be available for council staff, visitors and the public.
The defibrillators were installed free of charge by the council's maintenance work contractors GSH, as part of its commitment to support social value projects in the local community.
Rob Skoulding needed a defibrillator to help save his life two years ago after suffering a heart attack and backs the move.
"I think it's brilliant and they definitely save lives; we have to think we've got to help our own community," he said.
"We don't want people to be scared of a defib; if you see someone who's collapsed, get one (a defib) and start CPR straight away."
Where will the defibrillators be?
The defibrillators will be registered with the national Circuit network, which provides NHS ambulance services with information about defibs across the UK so that the device can be accessed quickly moments after a cardiac arrest.
Cambridgeshire County Council has listed where the defibrillators are located:
• Awdry House, Wisbech
• Buttsgrove Centre, Huntingdon
• Fawcett House, Trumpington
• Grafham Water, Huntingdon
• Hereward Hall, March
• New Shire Hall, Alconbury
• Noble House, Ely
• Scott House, Huntingdon
• Signet Court, Cambridge
• Speke House, St Ives
• Stanton House, Cambridge
• Sunley House, Papworth Everard
• The Bargroves Centre, St Neots
• Vantage House, Huntingdon
More defibs could mean more will to educate young people
A study funded by the East of England Cardiac Network found that 1,649 cardiac arrests occurred in the East of England in the six-month period of April to September last year.
Public access defibrillators were available within 500 metres of the cardiac arrest in 1,302 cases, but only used in 132 of them.
The government says state-funded schools are required to teach first aid and CPR, with the use of defibrillators being taught at secondary schools.
Rob hopes through incidents involving high-profile figures like professional footballer Christian Eriksen, who collapsed at Euro 2020 after suffering a cardiac arrest mid-match, this highlights the need for a defib.
"If a man as fit as him can collapse, anyone can; you hear children collapsing after a heart attack, so let's get the children taught how to use them," he said.
"I think people have to be confident and we'll do more teaching; we've taught brownies, guides, so it is being taught slowly but surely."