New machines set to save lives in Crewe (From Crewe Guardian)

New machines set to save lives in Crewe

1:07pm Tuesday 24th January 2012 in News By David Morgan

NINE potentially life-saving devices have found a home in the Crewe and Nantwich area.

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has handed 19 defibrillators to Cheshire East Council which have been distributed throughout the borough.

A defibrillator delivers electrical energy to the heart in the event of a cardiac arrest.

Council staff at Delamere House, Sir William Stanier High School, Crewe Pool and the Oakley Centre and Cumberland Arena in Crewe will all be at the ready in the event of medical emergencies.

Nantwich Pool and Fitness Centre, Barony Park in Nantwich and council leisure centres in Alsager, Sandbach and Shavington will also be equipped with defibrillators.

Rob Hussey, community resuscitation manager at NWAS, said: “None of us know who will suffer a cardiac arrest or when it will happen.

“What we do know is that when such a life threatening situation occurs, a speedy response is crucial.

“Defibrillation within the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest can dramatically increase the survival chances of the victim and prevent long term damage to vital organs.”

Clr Peter Mason, cabinet member for procurement and shared services, said: “I very much welcome this donation from the ambulance service.

“Defibrillators are an essential tool in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac episodes.

“Our health and safety team has placed them in buildings where there is higher footfall and also where cardiac rehabilitation programmes are already running.

“We have staff members based in these buildings who are trained in the use of this equipment and will be on hand to treat any patients in the event of emergency.”