New life saving equipment unveiled in Gloucester

New defibrillators have been installed in key areas across Gloucester thanks to a partnership with key businesses, Gloucester BID, City Safe and Elite Security.

Three 24×7 public access defibs and bleed kits have been installed at: Gloucester Docks, Eastgate Shopping Centre and Eastgate Street.

Police, City Safe, security staff and Gloucester BID board members along with a Nicole Tethington, 13 who was saved by police using a defibrillator on Eastgate Street earlier this year.

Defibrillators are devices that send an electric pulse or shock to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat. They are used to prevent or correct an arrhythmia, an uneven heartbeat that is too slow or too fast. If the heart suddenly stops, defibrillators can also help it beat again. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which are now found in many public spaces, are used to save the lives of people experiencing cardiac arrest. Even untrained bystanders can use these devices in an emergency.

All Defibs and Bleed Kits are registered with South West Ambulance Trust and the code is available when calling 999, also each external cabinet is fitted with an alarm/strobe and has been branded with partners and sponsor logos.

Teenager Nicole suffered a cardiac arrest while on a night out at a teen club night. She didn’t realise she had an underlying heart defect, it was thanks to the quick actions of police officers who collected a defibrillator which saved Nicole’s life. Her mother Katie Tethington said, ‘I am so thankful that my daughter was saved and so grateful that we now have three of the defibrillators fitted in Gloucester.’

City Safe Manager Steve Lindsay said, ‘I’m delighted that we have all pulled together to make this happen. The installation has involved electrical installations and permissions to install at key locations, and now we are in a great position to offer life-saving equipment at key locations across the city.’

Superintendent at Gloucester Constabulary Alistair Barby said, ‘We all know that a cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere at any time. Not only is a defibrillator an important tool to increase the chances of someone surviving, but also the presence of defibrillators in public places can help raise awareness and stimulate people to think about what they would do in an emergency. This work has helped ensure that these important life-saving bits of equipment are at key locations in the city.’BID Manager Toby Wooldridge said, ‘Gloucester BID was keen to help fund this initiative which further enhances the safety in the city and extends our efforts to enable a Safer City as set out in our Business Plan.’

Exact locations of the defibrillators:
• Gloucester Docks – On the Wall of Albion Terrace (Security Office) Opposite McColl’s
• Eastgate Shopping Centre external wall on Southgate Street
• Eastgate Street (Next to Butlers)

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk