1st Severn Beach Scout Group Defibrillator Fund

1St Severn Beach Scout Group have decided that they would like to fundraise for a community defibrillator. A defibrillator is a life-saving machine that gives the heart an electric shock in some cases of cardiac arrest. It is a safe-to-use machine that can be used without training.

This machine costs about £2000 for the initial outlay then there will be further money to cover upkeep and maintenance.  Once we have raised the funds we will have a sign locating where it is stored should it be needed in an emergency and will inform the emergency services where it is stored so they can tell telephone callers.

Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops pumping blood around the body. When someone has a cardiac arrest, defibrillation needs to be prompt. We feel that providing a defibrillator in the village will shorten the time in accessing a defibrillator therefore buying time till the emergency services arrive.

For every minute that passes without defibrillation chances of survival decrease by 14 per cent. Research shows that applying a controlled shock within five minutes of collapse provides the best possible chances of survival.

It's very easy to use . The rescuer turns the machine on which then gives voice prompts, telling the rescuer what to do. The rescuer will be asked to put pads into position on the person's chest. The position is also on a diagram on the pads. These pads detect electrical activity in the heart and will be able to tell if a shock is needed.

1st Severn Beach Scouts will be putting on some basic life support courses to inform you of basic life saving techniques including CPR, recovery position and choking for a donation towards our defibrillator fund.  First aid skills are a vital life skill and we hope that by providing a defibrillator in the community that it will make a difference to a family in need.

Our first fundraising event for this fund was the Jubilee Beacon and fireworks on the Seawall on Monday 4th June starting at 7pm.  There will be a BBQ, stalls and first aid sessions to raise money and awareness of how vital this piece of equipment is. 

The Scout Group will also be having a sponsored static bike ride at Mafeking Hall Piling on 23rd June. If you would like to contribute towards the defibrillator fund, or want to receive basic first aid training please contact Becky Cooper on 01454631360, becky.cooper@virgin.net or place donations in cheque form payable to 1st Severn Beach Scouts Defib Fund in a marked envelope at Mafeking Hall, Pilning, Bristol.