Tuesday 18 November
2008
08.30hrs
People living in Keynsham will soon have access to a life-saving
piece of equipment that could help someone suffering from a cardiac
arrest.
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) has been fitted outside
Keynsham Fire Station on Temple Street, which members of the public
will be able to use in the event of an emergency.
Residents are being invited to find out more about the device,
which could mean the difference between life and death for someone
suffering from a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), during an event at
Keynsham Fire Station on Friday 21 November from 11am to 1pm.
During the launch, with local celebrity Fred Wedlock, visitors will
be able to learn more about using the AED to help someone who has
suffered a SCA. Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS) will stage a
demonstration of the AED, show how easy it is to operate and
address any concerns about its use. Firefighters from Keynsham will
also stage a demonstration of a chip pan fire and be on hand to
offer advice on fire safety and talk about the station’s Community
Safety Centre.
Funded by Rotary in Keynsham, the AED has been introduced to the
town with the support of the Arrhythmia Alliance (The Heart Rhythm
Charity), Great Western Ambulance Service and Avon Fire &
Rescue Service.
The AED is in place thanks to the fundraising efforts of Rotary in
Keynsham. It is the culmination of many months of hard work by
Rotary, who recognised the need for life saving equipment, which
could be used by the general public 24 hours a day.
Brian Smith, from Rotary in Keynsham, said: “Local residents have
always supported our fundraising efforts and this was an
opportunity to bring people together for the benefit of their own
community. With the continued support of residents and businesses,
we hope this will be the first of many AEDs placed in and around
the area.”
Trudie Lobban, from Arrhythmia Alliance, added:
“Approximately 100,000 people die each year from SCA in the
UK, 12% of which happen in public places. An SCA can happen to
anyone, anytime, anywhere! Facilitating placements of AEDs across
local communities is a vital part of the work of Arrhythmia
Alliance. It is essential that residents are aware of, and can feel
confident to use, the AED in an emergency. We invite everyone to
come along and learn about this life-saving
equipment.”