Chorleywood’s first publicly accessible defibrillator was officially unveiled today by David Gauke, MP for S W Herts (Thurs 18 August).
” I am delighted to see a defibrillator in the centre of Chorleywood’ say David Gauke, “it’s important that people realise it’s here.”
“The statistics of sudden cardiac arrest are frightening” explains Paul Edwards of Chiltern Physiotherapy, “There are 12 incidents a week with half in schools. The survival rate with CPR is 5% but 75% if a defib is used within the first 5 minutes – to access the boxes people need to ring 999 for a code.”
Chiltern Physiotherapy started the Chorleywood defib ball rolling and this first unit has been funded by Chorleywood Care who provide a free service driving Chorleywood residents to essential medical appointments.
“We don’t charge for transport but accept donations and we like to contribute excess funds to something that benefits the community.” says Peter Briscall of Chorleywood Care, “We are so pleased to fund this first publicly accessible defib.”
The unit is situated outside John Roberts Estate Agents in Lower Road.
” We realise that people are likely to be in a panic when they need to use the defib and there will be a concise step-by-step list of what to do clearly visible near the unit.” adds Paul.
Inset pic from left to right shows David Gauke talking to Paul Edwards of Chiltern Physiotherapy with Peter Briscall (Chairman) and Katina Smith (Secretary) of Chorleywood Care