East Devon joins forces with South West Ambulance to fund new on-site defibrillators

East Devon is delighted to announce that it has teamed up with the South West Ambulance Service and invested in four new on-site defibrillators that will be maintained by the council at its current headquarters at Knowle in Sidmouth, as well as at Exmouth Town Hall and Camperdown Terrace in Exmouth, and at Seaton Wetlands.

The council recognises the importance of first aid in its workplaces and centres, whether for its own staff, volunteers or visitors. First aid can save lives if applied promptly and, in particular, the use of an Automated external defibrillator (AED) in the workplace can improve survival from a cardiac arrest by up to 60% if the casualty is treated immediately (source: St John’s Ambulance).

Sidmouth - the unit can be found just inside the public entrance lobby next to the Council Chamber at Knowle.
Exmouth 1 – the unit is located on the ground floor of the newly refurbished Exmouth Town Hall and can be accessed from both the reception area and the Council Chamber.
Exmouth 2 - this unit has been externally mounted within the depot yard at the council’s Camperdown Terrace depot. Both these units are primarily for use by visitors, council staff and councillors.
Seaton Wetlands – the unit, which is located next to the toilets, is available for visitors, volunteers and East Devon staff at this popular nature reserve.

South West Ambulance Service has listed our defibrillators on the 999 system and where appropriate, in the event of a 999 call they will advise the caller that there is a defibrillator within their proximity.

Cllr Ian Thomas, East Devon’s portfolio holder for Finance said: “Our investment of around £5,000 represents excellent value for money in terms of improving our resilience.

“According to statistics from the British Heart Foundation and Department of Health, Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death in the United Kingdom, accounting for an estimated 100,000 deaths each year.

“In the event of cardiac arrest, research shows that for every minute a first shock is delayed, the chances of the patient’s survival diminishes by 10%.

“The initial cost of such equipment has fallen rapidly. Operator skill requirement is similarly reduced to that of the 'lay man'. We are no longer talking about the massive pads and drama of TV's Casualty, rather compact, intuitive and effective units.”

Cllr Tom Wright, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for the Environment added that: “In addition to our own sites, I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to all of those other East Devon Communities who have raised money and installed similar facilities in their towns and villages for the use of neighbours, friends and visitors.

For further information about the use of defibrillators, visit: http://www.thedefibcentre.co.uk/defibrillators-workplace/