Learn where to find them, urges local man whose life was saved by a defibrillator
THE importance of Westbury’s lifesaving defibrillators has been highlighted by the recent events at the Euro 2020 football tournament, which saw Denmark midfielder, Christian Eriksen, collapse suddenly during a match.
Football fans were left in shock when the 29 year-old footballer collapsed during a Euro 2020 match against Finland. Eriksen had suffered a cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the pitch – the medical team used a defibrillator to help save his life.
Six defibrillators – which can be used in the event of a cardiac arrest – are available in public places around the town, and Westbury’s mayor cllr Sheila Kimmins, and local man Kevin Scott – whose life was saved by a defibrillator – are both raising awareness about their location and the difference they can make in an emergency.
Quick thinking
“It hit quite close to home,” said Kevin speaking to White Horse News about the scenes from Copenhagen. His life was saved by the quick-thinking of his two daughters and a defibrillator located at Leigh Park Community Centre, when he had a cardiac arrest in 2019.
“He [Christian Eriksen] had a cardiac arrest, which is the same as what happened to me – and like me, I assume he didn’t know anything about the risk beforehand.”
Now over two years on, Kevin is hoping to that his own experience and Christian Eriksen’s will encourage people to be more aware of public defibrillators and their location.
“If we can raise awareness of them that would be ideal,” said Kevin. “It’s important that people know about them and that they are available in the community. Knowing where they are, it can make all the difference. It certainly made the difference to my life!”
Anyone can
use them
Westbury’s mayor, cllr Kimmins, told White Horse News, “Cardiac arrests can happen to anyone, at any time, as was seen when footballer Christian Eriksen had a heart attack at the Euro 2020 on Saturday 12th June. His life was saved by the prompt action on the field.
“You do not need to be trained to use a defibrillator – anyone can use it. There are clear instructions on how to attach the defibrillator pads. It then assesses the heart rhythm and will only instruct you to deliver a shock if it is needed. You cannot deliver a shock accidentally; the defibrillator will only allow you to shock if it is needed.
“We can remember Kevin Scott’s 13-year-old daughter Elysia who in 2019 ran for the defibrillator based at the Leigh Park Community Centre, thereby saving Kevin’s life. If a child can do this, so can anyone of us.
“To help someone who is in cardiac arrest effectively, a defibrillator needs to be found as quickly as possible. For every minute it takes for the defibrillator to reach someone and deliver a shock, their chances of survival reduces by up to 10%.”
Westbury’s defibrillators can be found at the Methodist Church on Station Road; Tesco Express on Fore Street; Westbury Library on Edward Street; the Laverton on Bratton Road; Leigh Park Community Centre; and the One Stop Shop in Queens Square.
Westbury’s defibrillators are checked once a week by a trained town council staff member and are also registered with ‘The Circuit’ – a national defibrillator network managed by the British Heart Foundation, which informs the ambulance service where defibrillators are and if they are “emergency ready”.
