A WIGAN school is the recipient of a potentially life-saving piece of equipment from a generous benefactor.
As part of the Big Shock Campaign run by cardiac charity the Sudden Adult Death Trust (SADS UK), Standish High School has been given an automated external defibrillator (AED).
The AED was donated by Bernard Powell, a safety representative who works alongside SADS to help safeguard pupils and staff at various schools. School staff were also given a demonstration of how to use the equipment from representatives from the North West Ambulance Service.
Headteacher Lynne Fox, said: “Here at Standish we are delighted to have received an AED for use in the school. I was first approached by Bernard in September and I was delighted to meet with him to discuss how we could take this forward.
“He works closely with SADS UK, and is personally committed to ensuring that more young lives are saved by the availability of this life saving equipment. We have also received training for our staff provided by the NWAS, to ensure that staff are confident and able to use this equipment safely.
“This is a piece of equipment that we hope we will never have to use but should the need arise we may save a life because of it.”
If a person goes into cardiac arrest it is crucial that the person is administered with a therapeutic shock delivered by the defibrillator to restore the heart rhythm. The AED is easy to use and has voice prompts to help instruct the rescuer.
Schoolchildren across the UK were made aware of the need for defibrillators in public places last year when Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba collapsed on the pitch during a game. A defibrillator was used to aid his recovery and Fabrice is now raising awareness of cardiac conditions in the young.
Anne Jolly, SADS UK founder, said: “It’s good to know that is sudden cardiac arrest occurs the school will have a defibrillator quickly available to restart the heart and we are grateful to Bernard Powell for supporting the charity’s Big Shock campaign.
“Using CPR alone provides a five per cent chance of survival but using the defibrillator as well increases the chance of survival over 50 percent, this is why SADS is so passionate about putting this lifesaving equipment in place.”
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