A LIFE-SAVING defibrillator has been installed in Worcester’s Cripplegate Park thanks to West Midlands Ambulance Community First Responders.
The machine sends a high energy electric shock through the heart to return a heart to its normal working state if it goes into cardiac arrest.
The Cripplegate Park defibrillator, provided by is located on the outer wall of the toilet block, opposite the park’s tennis courts.
Hickory’s Smokehouse restaurant, which opened last year and is located next to the park, donated £600 towards the costs. Further financial support was also provided by Worcester City Council.
The Friends of Cripplegate Park and the Cripplegate Consortium of Bowlers have campaigned to secure the life-saving equipment for the popular city centre location.
“Early defibrillation is essential in saving a person’s live. Without treatment during the first 60 seconds, the victim’s chance of survival will be reduced by ten per cent,” says Heather Stone, a volunteer for West Midlands Ambulance Community First Responders.
“Thanks to all the partners who have made this happen, especially Hickory’s Smokehouse for their kind donation.
“Defibrillators can and do save lives – we are delighted to have installed one in this popular city centre park.”
Community First Responders are teams of volunteers who are trained by West Midlands Ambulance Service to a nationally recognised level and provide lifesaving treatment to people in their local communities.
The Cripplegate defibrillator is registered with The Circuit, the national defibrillator network at www.thecircuit.uk.
Anyone who sees someone suffering from a heart attack or seizure can call 999 and find out the location of the nearest device.
