Lifesaving equipment for AudlemCycleSport

North West Ambulance Service is delighted to announce its Community First Responder scheme in Audlem is being extended with the installation of an automated external defibrillator (AED) in AudlemCycleSport. The defibrillator will be used to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest.

Staff completed their training in emergency resuscitation which has been delivered by Rob Sharples, Community Resuscitation Development Officer.

Rob said: "When someone collapses due to cardiac arrest, the first few minutes are crucial. Chances of survival are improved if prompt, appropriate action is taken and that is why we are so pleased that the Audlem community has extended the scheme."

Nikki and Tim Ball are both Community First Responders and owners of Audlem Cyclesport. Nikki said: "As Tim and I are two of the original trained First Responders we are already fully qualified to use a defibrillator.

"Since starting the business we have taken a step back from this active roll, as new members have now joined the CFR scheme, although we still have the skills necessary to assist in an emergency.

"I offered the shop as a venue for a defibrillator to NWAS and they took up the offer immediately. It will only be accessible during business hours, and people should be made aware that they must ALWAYS call 999 in the event of a medical emergency. The defibrillator is a supplementary tool which we are very fortunate to have.

"There are now a total of three in the village, one held by the Community First Responder on duty and the other situated in the Co-op Shop, which is fantastic news and should be a comfort to all."
 
NWAS is responsible for over 200 public access defibrillator sites across the region.

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