The Parish Council is proposing to install a defibrillator on the outside of the Post Office in Heptonstall. It could save the life of someone – child or adult – suffering a cardiac arrest. No medical or special training is needed to use it.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service says:

“Think – If a Cardiac Arrest happened where you are now – where would the nearest Automated External Defibrillator (AED) be? If the answer is realistically more than 5 minutes away then you should start an AED or Community Responder programme. AEDs save lives…“

The Resuscitation Council UK says:

“The Resuscitation Council (UK) strongly recommends the implementation of early defibrillation. Increased provision of early defibrillation through the widespread deployment of AEDs is now considered a realistic strategy for reducing mortality from cardiac arrest due to ischaemic heart disease.”

Mr Mike Mongon has very kindly donated a suitable defibrillator, the Parish Council will purchase a weather-proof cabinet for it and the package will be supported by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS). No special training is needed to operate the device but an e-learning familiarisation course will be available on-line and, if preferred, it may be possible to arrange a ‘live’ course with YAS.

Before going ahead we wish to confirm that the project has Community backing, so please tell us:

• Are you in favour of installing a defibrillator as proposed?
• Would you like to attend a YAS familiarisation course if possible?

The period of consultation will be from 13 June to 27 June.

Questionnaires will be delivered to households as well as being available for pick up at Heptonstall Post Office, and can be downloaded here.

Once completed they should be dropped in the box inside the Post Office.

Do please let us know what you think.

Thank you for your help.

Roger Greenwood – Clerk to Heptonstall Parish Council