Defibrillator installed near village community centre

Defibrillator installed at Ashington Community Centre. L to R Judith Stillwell, chairman Ashington parish council, Simon Robinson, chairman Wilson Memorial Trust, Anthony Gilsenan, chairman Ashington Community Centre Trust, Elizabeth Greenfiield, team leader Ashington First Responders and Martin Leigh-Pollitt. Photo by Derek Martin

The defibrillator was installed adjacent to the entrance to the Ashington Community Centre, in Foster Lane, Ashington.

It was installed as part of a project started by Steyning Area First Responders (SAFeR) four years ago.

They set a target of ensuring all the communities covered by Steyning Health Practice have public access to defibrillators.

That target has now been achieved through a joint initiative by SAFeR and Ashington First Responders with funding from the Wilson Memorial Trust.

This new defibrillator brings the number of units provided in the area to seven.

There are others already located at the entrance to Steyning Grammar School in Shooting Field and the former phone boxes in Steyning High Street; The Street, Bramber; Hyde Square Upper Beeding; Ashurst village hall and the former post office in Wiston.

Chairman of SAFeR Martin Leigh-Pollitt said: “We are delighted that our target has been reached through working in partnership with the responder team in Ashington.

“Although there are responders in these areas and the ambulance service will always respond as quickly as possible, with around 200 people dying each day in the UK from heart attacks and double that number being treated in hospital, accessibility to these units by those at the scene can be crucial in achieving successful resuscitation.”

Automated external defibrillators are fully automatic and designed to prevent incorrect use. The British Heart Foundation says most people should be able to use them without formal training.

The British Heart Foundation said the defibrillators are easy to use and give voice prompts to guide through each stage including when to start chest compressions.

Chairman of the Wilson Memorial Trust Simon Robinson said: “The trust is delighted to support this programme. It is a good example of where the trust can enable local schemes to benefit the safety and health of those living in the local communities.”

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