Life saving machines fitted

EMAS has invested £120,000 to purchase and install 127 defibrillators across the East Midlands.

In Worksop, one has been installed in the premises of Worksop East Tenants and Residents’ Association and one this week is to be fitted in the Masonic Hall on Potter Street.

Bassetlaw MP John Mann recently met with heart specialists and discovered very few defibrillators installed in the region and called for training throughout the community.

An EMAS spokesman said: “The life-saving machines can be used by anyone who witnesses an arrest as the machine gives clear instructions on what to do.”

“The service is also planning to increase the number of Community First Responder groups by 10 per cent every year for the next three years.”

“CFRs are trained by EMAS and sent to 999 calls at the same time as our ambulances and as they are based in their communities they can begin essential treatment such as CPR until EMAS’ clinicians arrive.”

EMAS is providing training courses for people so they know what to do in an emergency such as a cardiac arrest or choking. The first will be at Worksop Library on 29th June, from 10am-12pm.

Dr Steve Kell, chairman of NHS Bassetlaw Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We know that across the East Midlands people are less likely to survive a cardiac arrest outside hospital than in other areas, and this is a particular concern in rural areas. The British Heart Foundation has done important research on this subject and we will work with our local partners to look at solutions for Bassetlaw.”

Dr Gillian Payne, consultant cardiologist at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s an excellent idea to have defibrillators in public places because every minute counts when the heart stops beating and goes into cardiac arrest.”