We’ve installed new defibrillators in all our retirement living schemes, supporting 1,049 customers. The life-saving devices give a jolt of electrical energy to get someone’s heart beating again.
The initiative was led by Cherie Charles, A2Dominion’s Social Purpose Officer, after she attended a first aid course and had a number of conversations with residents about the critical importance of defibrillators.
Realising the difference that having access to a defibrillator could have in an emergency, our Social Purpose Team worked hard to make sure the life saving devices were installed in all 26 of our retirement living schemes.
Cherie said: “We have a number of older customers who live in our retirement living schemes, and I felt strongly that we needed defibrillators in every service.
“Each second counts in cardiac emergency situations and these machines can help save lives. Now they’re in place, our residents have a much higher chance of surviving a cardiac arrest.”
Helping customers feel safe
Residents who live at the retirement living schemes are proud of their involvement in the project and said the defibrillators provide peace of mind.
Andy, (pictured), who is a customer at St Martin’s Court in Ashford, added: “I had a heart attack last year. I feel so much safer knowing that if it happens again, there is a defibrillator near my home."
Carole, who is a customer at one of our schemes added: “If these defibrillators save even one life, they are worth having. There are forty people in my building and to know we have that back up is a wonderful feeling. We know where to go, we know it's easy to use and to just follow the instructions. I feel really good about that.
“My daughter works in cardiology for the NHS, so I understand the importance of having this equipment available. You never know when you might need it. Its priceless if it can save someone’s life.”
Did you know?
Cardiac Arrest kills 140,000 people each year in the UK.
The chance of surviving a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital is only around 8%.
Using a defibrillator within 5 minutes can increase the chance of survival to up to 70%.
What are defibrillators?
A defibrillator gives a jolt of electrical energy to the heart. It helps get the heart beating again when someone is in cardiac arrest and their heart has stopped. You might also hear it being called a defib, a PAD (public access defibrillator) or an AED (automated external defibrillator)
Do I need to be trained to use a defibrillator?
You do not need to be trained to use a defibrillator. They are designed to be simple and easy to use. There are clear instructions on how to attach the defibrillator pads and the device will assess the heart rhythm and will only instruct you to deliver a shock if it is needed.
Where are they?
Two of the defibrillators are installed in cabinets outside our schemes, making them accessible to the community, so 999 call operators can also direct members of the public to them in the event of sudden cardiac arrests.
They have been put in place in the following schemes:
Audrey Needham House, Newbury,
Beechwood Grove, Caversham,
Bridge, Brook and Mill House, West Drayton, Hillingdon
Broomfield, Staines
Charles Clore Court, Reading
Chestnut Court, Stanwell, Staines
Chimney Court, Tilehurst, Reading
Cornerstones, Tilehurst, Reading
Grovebarns, Staines
Mallard Court, Beckenham
Merlin Court, Bromley
Nevil Court, Thatcham
Orwell Close, Hayes
Rowan Court, Lower Earley, Reading
Sevenoaks Court, Harrow, Hillingdon
St Martins, Ashford,
Viscount Court, Windsor
Apsley Court, 100 Wellington Rd, Orpington
Beechwood Court, Beechwood Avenue, Sunbury-on-Thames
Berryscroft, Staines
Birkbeck Court, Acton, Ealing
Cheshire House, Ottershaw, Chertsey
Elizabeth Court, Lower Sunbury, Spelthorne
Meadowview, Shepperton, Spelthorne
The Doultons, Staines
Vinter Court, Shepperton
