Ashington Leads the Way in Improving Access to Lifesaving Defibrillators
As February, the month of love, comes to an end, we want to remind you of the Council's commitment to the health of your heart. Last February, we achieved the important milestone of installing 12 defibrillators across Ashington.
Our efforts were recently featured in Clerk and Councils Direct and the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) Magazines, where we encouraged other local councils to follow our lead in installing and registering defibrillators.
Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anytime, without warning. Having defibrillators located nearby can make the difference between life and death. Using a defibrillator within 5 minutes of cardiac arrest drastically improves chances of survival. This is why availability and registration of defibrillators is so crucial.
Our passion is the wellbeing of Ashington residents. As February draws to a close, please take a moment to familiarise yourself with the locations of defibrillators around town. You would still need to call 999 in an emergency, but knowing the nearest defibrillator could save precious minutes.
We've included the list of all 12 locations below. You can also use the DefibFinder website anytime to find the unit closest to you.
The British Heart Foundation currently has a special offer available exclusively for local councils and non-profits on defibrillators and external cabinets from 1st March to 31st May 2024. To register interest, call 0300 330 3322 or visit their website https://defibrillators.bhf.org.uk/contact. This is a great opportunity to improve cardiac emergency preparedness.
Along with defibrillator awareness, we encourage you to get trained in CPR. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical part of saving someone from cardiac arrest when paired with defibrillation.
The British Heart Foundation's RevivR program teaches you CPR in just 15 minutes on your phone or tablet - it's free and simple. Visit their website below to try it out. You could help save the life of a loved one.
While we've made great strides in improving emergency cardiac care access, heart disease remains the #1 cause of death. Please listen to your heart and know the signs of a heart attack and cardiac arrest. The more prepared we are as a community, the more lives can be saved.
Town Council installed defibrillators (please note there are others, if registered they will be listed on DefibFinder)
- Ashington Spiritualist Centre, 274 Hawthorn Road, NE63 9AY
- B&M, Freeman Way, NE63 0YB
- Cambois Rowing Club (Ashington Sea Cadets), Black Close House, NE63 9TF
- Hatchmeadow Housing (Bernicia), Featherwood Drive, NE63 0SH
- Hirst Park Pavilion, Hirst Park, NE63 9BA
- Hirst Welfare Centre, Alexandra Road, NE63 9HN
- JT Dove, North Seaton Road, NE63 8ST
- North Seaton Colliery Community Centre, 27 Links View, NE63 0XQ
- Northern Social Club, Ridgeway, NE63 9TL
- Salvation Army Church, 1A Second Avenue, NE63 0BJ
- Seaton Hirst Veterans Institute, Rowlington Terrace, NE63 0LZ
- The Riverside Pantry, Wansbeck Riverside Caravan Park, NE63 8TX
You do not need training to use a defibrillator. Although they can vary, they all function in broadly the same way. The device gives clear, spoken instructions and will not deliver a shock unless it is needed.
If you would like to have a look at how to use a device, there are videos available online: Understanding defibrillators-what they are and how to use them - BHF
