Every second counts in a cardiac emergency. That’s why having defibrillators available in our community is crucial. They can mean the difference between life and death.
Why are defibrillators so important?
When someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating effectively. Without immediate treatment survival rates drop rapidly, a defibrillator delivers a controlled electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm, and when used within minutes of the attack survival chances increase significantly.
Anybody can use the defibrillator.
Modern defibrillators are designed for ease of use. Clear, step-by-step instructions guide you through the process, making it possible for anyone even without medical training to act quickly and confidently in an emergency.
Where will I find one?
We are extremely fortunate in Pewsey. We have nine public defibrillators, which are situated at strategic points within communities around the area. They are as follows:
- On the bus shelter wall in the market Square.
- On the wall at the entrance to the Coopers Arms
- On the wall outside Pewsey Metals in Wilcot Road
- Outside the scout hut in Aston Close
- Next to the postbox on Swan Corner, just past the garage
- Outside the tennis club in Easterton Lane
- At Ford Brook, on the wall by Pewsey Precision
- At The Waterfront public house, on the corner nearest the canal
- On the brick wall in Milton Road, just past the Broomcroft Road turning.
The defibrillator units are housed in a yellow cabinet, with electricity connected to keep the cabinets at a required temperature. Each cabinet has a keypad, and is locked until required. Within each cabinet, there will also be a high viz jacket and a torch.
What should I do in an emergency?
The first thing to do is dial, 999 and ask for the ambulance service.
The paramedic will assess the situation, given your description of the patient, and if they deem it necessary, will send you to the nearest defibrillator unit, having first given you the code. The Ambulance Service will direct you from there.
Once the defibrillator has been used, it is protocol to return it to the cabinet from which you retrieved it and lock the door. You should also replace the jacket and torch if they have been used.
The ambulance service will now inform the defibrillator Guardian who is a member of Pewsey Parish Council. The Guardian will check the unit and replace the pads if necessary.
As a routine, the Guardian checks all units on a regular basis to ensure that the batteries are charged, the pads are present and in date and the additional equipment is in good working order.
If you have any questions about the Pewsey defibrillators, please do contact the clerk at Pewsey Parish Council. the.clerk@pewsey-pc.gov.uk. Additionally, if one appears to have been opened or you see something out of the ordinary, please also report it. It’s important that all our units are kept in working order.