Police staff sign up to life saving training to boost defibrillator access

Front counter, reception and logistics staff from North Wales Police have been given training on how to maintain and update defibrillators in police buildings.

The training comes as part of a project working in partnership with Welsh Ambulance Service and Save a life Cymru to register defibrillator units on The Circuit, which is a national database for public access defibrillators.

Police have committed to registering and maintaining defibrillator units located at police buildings, so that if a cardiac arrest is happening nearby, the ambulance service will be able to dispatch these units to members of the public if they are close by.

It is hoped that the efforts will help to boost the number of defibrillators available in the region.

Health and Safety Manager Colin Jones said: “We’re proud to be working closely with Save a Life Cymru to register our defibrillators on The Circuit.

“Logistics, reception and front counter staff have been given the skills and knowledge to regularly check and maintain defibrillators in police buildings, making them quickly accessible to the community if they are needed in the event of a cardiac arrest.

“Defibrillators save lives and are essential here in North Wales where we have many rural communities.”

Clinical Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) Programme Manager for Wales, Julie Starling, said: “Save a Life Cymru is delighted to be working with North Wales Police and wish to thank them for making these vital lifesaving equipment available to the community.

“In Wales, 6,000 people each year will have an OHCA. CPR and the use of a defibrillator before the ambulance arrives can double the chance of survival.

“When you call 999 the ambulance call taker will tell you how to do CPR and can direct to the nearest registered defibrillator.

“Only defibrillators registered on the National Defibrillator Network ‘The Circuit’ can be used by the Ambulance service, that’s why the commitment by North Wales Police to register and maintain their defibrillators for public use is so important.

“Save a life Cymru and the Welsh Ambulance Service are committed to supporting the fleet of over 7,000 community defibrillators across Wales, ensuring they are both registered and available to save a life.”

Dr Len Nokes, Chair of Save a Life Cymru, added: “This is an excellent example of public organisations working together for the benefit of saving lives in Wales”.

For further information visit the Save a Life Cymru website or email [email protected]