Sir Gavin Williamson met with Shareshill Parish Councillor Brian Churm to discuss the newly installed automated external defibrillator (AED) in the village.
Following expert advice about the need for an extra defibrillator, Shareshill has managed to get a second AED. The device, as well as its installation and training on its use, cost a total of £1,700.
An estimated 100,000 people die annually from cardiac arrest, and 60,000 cases happen outside of hospital. Without defibrillation, the chances of survival decrease by 10% with each minute. If a victim does not receive CPR or defibrillation within ten minutes, they stand no chance of survival. Despite this, no public spaces other than schools and sports facilities are currently required to have AEDs.
Sir Gavin said: “It was fantastic to meet with Brian to talk about such an important issue. Sudden cardiac arrest is the nation’s biggest killer – it kills more people each year than cancer does. Improving access to AEDs is critical to raising survival rates, and I wholeheartedly support Shareshill’s efforts to keep the community safe. I will be writing to the County Council to see whether funding can be accessed for the maintenance of the device.”
Parish Councillor Brian Churm said: “Sir Gavin visited our village hall to chat about our new defibrillator that has recently been installed and enjoyed a short visit to our award-winning pub The Elms. Sir Gavin is always welcome back at any time and insisted that we do invite him back to Shareshill on a regular basis”
