A NEW life-saving defibrillator has been installed by Melksham Town Council at the pavilion in King George V Park.
This is the 17th defibrillator in Melksham that is openly accessible to the public in the event of an emergency cardiac arrest, and its placement in the town’s central park, alongside the playing fields, was selected by Melksham Town Council as the most prudent location for installation.
The town council say, “The importance of these lifesaving devices was brought into sharp focus during last year’s Euro 2020 football tournament, which saw Denmark midfielder, Christian Eriksen, collapse suddenly during play.
“The incident, which was later confirmed as a cardiac arrest, played out live on television as paramedics tried to resuscitate the 29-year-old player. If it were not for the pitch-side defibrillator, Eriksen would almost certainly have died.”
Melksham Town Council’s town clerk, Linda Roberts, said, “We are pleased to announce that another defibrillator has been installed up in King George V Playing Fields. This is a central point in town where residents and visitors congregate, exercise and celebrate together and so it is a natural location for this life-saving equipment.”
What is a Defibrillator?
The British Heart Foundation describes a defibrillator as a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest. This high energy shock is called defibrillation, and it’s an essential part in trying to save the life of someone who’s in cardiac arrest. A defibrillator may also be referred to as a defib, an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) or a PAD (Public Access Defibrillator).
How to use a Defibrillator?
Access to defibrillators requires a four-digit PIN number. Dial 999 to get this, or if you need to be told where the nearest device is.
Defibrillators are very easy to use. Although they don’t all look the same, they all function in more-or-less the same way. You don’t need training to use one. The machine provides clear spoken instructions – all you have to do is follow them. The device will not shock someone who does not need it.
Where to find local defibrillators
The locations of defibrillators in the town are: Melksham Riverside Centre; Jones Supermarket, Forest Road; Water Meadow Pub, Cranesbill Road; Melksham Assembly Hall; Melksham Fire Station, Semington Road; Melksham Store, Beanacre Road; the SSE Building, Spa Road; Queensway Chapel, Pembroke Road; the Melksham Hub Café, next to the train station; and the pavilion in King George V Park.
Defibrillators in rural areas can be found at: The Pilot Pub, Bowerhill; the pavilion at Bowerhill Sports Field; The New Inn, Berryfield; Shaw Village Hall; Whitley Reading Rooms; St Barnabas Church (entrance porch), Beanacre; and at Westbury Packaging on Lancaster Road, Bowerhill Industrial Estate.
