New Defibrillator in Westfield

With the support of The Park Lane Group, the community of Westfield near Hastings has benefitted from the installation of a PAD – Public Access Defibrillator. The defibrillator is designed for use in the event of Cardiac Arrest and has been installed on the exterior of the Londis store on Main Road in Westfield, where it can be easily accessed at any time.

Speaking about the installation, Nigel Hammond of the South East Coast Ambulance Service said “We’re very grateful for the support of The Park Lane Group in agreeing to the installation and fitting the unit in this location for everyone’s benefit. We’re aiming to achieve more coverage in rural areas, typically those where medical treatment is more than 5 – 8 minutes away. Whilst Westfield is relatively close to The Conquest Hospital we have been working extensively with the local primary school over the last few years to educate Year 6 pupils about what to do in an emergency. The siting of this latest defibrillator therefore further supports this work and we hope proves reassuring for residents in the area.”

Following its installation, the PAD will now fall under the remit of the Community First Responders (CFR) team who will manage periodic checks on the unit to ensure it remains in working order. CFRs are volunteer members of the community who are trained to respond to emergency calls in conjunction with the South East Coast Ambulance Service. Living and working locally they are typically well placed to attend an emergency quickly. To volunteer as a CFR email volunteers@1066countryCFR.org.uk

To report a problem with the defibrillator unit, tel: 07510 102 390.

How it Works – When a Cardiac Arrest 999 call is received in the ambulance control room the operator will be aware of the nearest PAD site. If the PAD is close enough to the location of the patient they will ask someone to go to the PAD box and return to the patient with the defibrillator. Once back at the patient, the relative or bystander will be given instructions over the phone detailing how to turn the machine on and apply the defibrillator pads.

The Facts – In the UK approximately 30,000 people suffer a Cardiac Arrest outside hospital and are treated by emergency medical services every year. A patient’s chance of survival decreases by around 10% per minute following a Cardiac Arrest. As such it is vital that emergency treatment begins as soon as possible.

Photo Caption – Brian Rockell, Community Team Leader for 1066 Community First Responders and Lead Governor for South East Coast Ambulance Service is pictured with the Defibrillator at the Londis store with Lauren Samuels of The Park Lane Group.

To find out more about PAD sites visit: SECAMB PAD

For more information about Community First Responders visit: SECAMB CFR