Council cash for Seaton Sluice defibrillators
13 Mar 2019 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
A charitable group in Seaton Sluice has been given a £3,000 cash boost from Northumberland County Council to help with the purchase of Public Access Defibrillators.
The Seaton Sluice PAD Support Group has been awarded the grant from the council’s community chest fund that is open to community groups, charities and young people in the county.
A small group of residents formed the charity with the aim of purchasing, installing and maintaining Public Access Defibrillators (PAD's) for the local community and the many visitors in the village.
So far they have installed four units with an additional one planned for the BT phone kiosk which has been purchased from BT.
The group has also taken over the maintenance checks for the PAD's at the First and Middle Schools in Seaton Sluice.
Chris Jarvie said:
“ We are very grateful to the council for their recent financial contribution. As a retired paramedic, I am fully aware of the importance of early CPR and defibrillation in the community. Our group is working with the North East Ambulance Service and the charity Cardioproof, in an attempt to improve survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest in the community. We are also keen to spread the work and help and support surrounding communities who are looking to introduce defibrillators in their communities.”
The PAD group also provides free CPR and Defibrillator awareness training for the schools, businesses and residents in the village. They have trained up 62 people including 28 school children, and have a number of training sessions planned including sessions with the local football team and coaches and middle school teaching staff.
Northumberland County Councillor Nick Oliver, cabinet member for corporate resources said:
“ Having easy access to a defibrillator means that immediate life-saving care can be provided in an emergency situation, such as cardiac arrest, in the vital minutes before the ambulance arrives. Hopefully it will never have to be used, but it is reassuring that it is there if needed and it could really make the difference between life and death.
“It is commendable that this group are making a real difference in their local community and we are pleased to be able to support them with their fundraising efforts.”
The group also received funding from a number of other sources including Rogersons & Sons Tilers , The Freemasons of Northumberland and local businesses and residents.
Cardioproof was set up by Prof Michael Norton, a professor of cariology and the RVI in Newcastle. His aim is to get as many defibrillators installed across the north east as possible and has also given a healthy donation to this community cause.
Community groups and charities based or operating in Northumberland can apply for funding from the council’s community grant scheme.
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to help deliver activities that benefit residents and communities. For further information visit: www.northumberland.gov.uk