ACORN Recovery Projects have become the proud owner of a defibrillator which will be mounted in the reception area of the centre at Brunswick House Oldham, and be available to staff and members of the public when the centre is open.
A defibrillator, also knows as a ‘defib’ or AED, can mean the difference between life and death for the victim of a sudden cardiac arrest.
No formal training is required to operate the defibrillator, but The Calico Group’s Health and Safety Manager Tom Berry was on hand to deliver training of the device to four ACORN staff at the Bean Good café within the ACORN Recovery Projects Centre. Further course are planned to be held in the future.
When asked about the defibrillator and training carried out, Health and Safety Manager Tom Berry said:
“The defibrillator is simple to use and could potentially save the lives of customers, staff and casualties in the community.
“I am confident that those staff trained will now be able to help save the life of anyone in the local area who suffers a cardiac arrest. As a group we are committed to making a difference to people’s lives and by making this equipment available to anyone who needs it we can do just that.”
The defibrillator has been registered with Cardiacsmart which assists 999 operatives and can be used to advise callers of the nearest defibrillator, in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest.
This means it could become invaluable to an emergency in Oldham town centre and the local vicinity of the Acorn Recovery Projects Centre at Brunswick Square, Union Street Oldham.
According to the North West Ambulance Service, the chance of survival can be increased by up to 75% by providing a person in cardiac arrest with early CPR and defibrillation.
ACORN Recovery Projects is hopeful that this equipment will never be needed, but are able and willing to assist anyone suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest.
For more information please visit www.acornrecovery.org.uk