John joins campaign to back defibrillators in schools and colleges
John visited Dearne Valley College to lend his support to a campaign to encourage more schools and colleges to fit defibrillators.
As many as 12 young people die each week as a result of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
The campaign is being led by Rotherham company Martek Medical.
Product manager Ian Couldwell presented the Lifeline Automated External Defibrillator (AED) that the college has purchased to Dearne Valley College (DVC) Sports Deputy Manager Lee South.
Lee South said: “We think that having an AED on site is vital to protect students and gym members. It means we can be confident that should an incident of cardiac arrest occur, we are fully equipped to deal with it.
“Our staff are finding it extremely straightforward to work with and the talk-through guide helps people to relax when using it.”
Ian said: “Our campaign to raise awareness of the importance of defibrillators in schools, colleges and public buildings is getting lots of interest and it’s great to have the support of our local MP.
“Our emergency services do a fantastic job, but in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, it requires an instant response so having a defibrillator on site in places such as schools and sports centres is vitally important.
“Our aim is to raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest and it’s satisfying to see more schools and colleges, like Dearne Valley College, having the foresight to invest in AEDs to help avoid loss of life.”
John Healey MP said: “There’s no price that can be put on saving a life. I’m pleased to support this campaign to educate schools and colleges about the risks of sudden cardiac arrest. I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen today and how user friendly these AEDs are, we hope many other schools and colleges will follow suit.”
80 per cent of young Sudden Cardiac Arrest victims show no prior symptoms. By providing early defibrillation, the chances of survival can be increased to as high as 75 per cent.