The campaign to provide all residents of Newton Aycliffe with 24 hour access to potential lifesaving equipment within a 500 yard radius of their homes moves on, thanks again to widespread community support.
Having these units available is crucial to supporting our emergency services in the chain of survival in the event of a cardiac arrest.
Statistically 75% of cardiac arrests occur either with a member of your own family, or someone you know very well. Using CPR only may only provide less than 5% survival rates, with a defibrillator on hand survival rates could be increased to 70%. Dial 999 and you will be directed to your nearest unit which you can then take to wherever it is needed. We have just completed a thorough revamp with the Ambulance Service and now have a robust system in place to achieve this.
Firstly, pictured with the latest defibrillator unit, to be installed on 27th March, is David Sutton-Lloyd and Simon Day of Junction7 outside 7 Silverdale Place. Livin have supported this purchase, installation and will maintain going forward.
Secondly, pictured with David Sutton-Lloyd is Mr Paul Smith, Aycliffe Town Centre Manager, representing the Landlords. After discussing our campaign plans and general first aid provision in the Town Centre the Landlords are keen to be involved. They have made a generous donation towards purchasing and installing a 24 hour defibrillator unit in the middle of the Town Centre. Once installed, they will then take over the responsibility for its future upkeep.
They are also providing the free use of a shop unit to run events to help raise donations and run free CPR and Defibrillator awareness sessions. These are aimed at giving people confidence and skills to use CPR and a defibrillator.
WOULD YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO?
Thirdly, Great Aycliffe Town Council, who were one of the originals donors when this campaign first started, have again unanimously agreed to support these important free CPR and defibrillator awareness sessions. 562 people have participated to date in these sessions. The 2 hour session could be the most important time “in the life” of someone you love and care for.
Fourthly, the Youth Council of Great Aycliffe, following many of them completing awareness sessions, have been fundraising and are donating this money towards the next defibrillator.
Next targets are the Town Centre unit and a unit for the Simpasture area.
After these two units we will still have some gaps to fill in the area to provide total coverage of Newton Aycliffe. With the continued help already shown by our community, I know we can achieve this.
To fill these first two gaps, we now need to fundraise, and I estimate we require another £2,400. A small amount when you consider the number of people that they would provide cover for!
We already have commitment from several sources, and others wish to join, including the Taylor family (Rachael, Trevor, Calum and Andrea) who set up “Kick it for Seonaid” a charity helping provide defibrillators in memory of their daughter.
Watch out for the venues and dates in the Newton News, we had intended to organise these soon, however the current Government Covid-19 situation announced on Monday has affected this plan.
If you require more information, or better still want to donate now, please contact:
David Sutton-Lloyd
01325 316144
woodham.community@gmail.com
