AFTER A determined campaign to install defibrillators in each of Saddleworth’s villages, life-saving training on how to use the equipment is now available for locals.
Former Saddleworth Parish Councillor Alan Roughley led the campaign, helped by Cllrs Garth Harkness and Derek Heffernan, to get ten defibrillators set up across the community.
They were put in place and part-funded by the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), who are now offering the life-saving training sessions to members of the public.
Cllr Harkness said: “A few years ago when Alan, Derek and I began to work for a defibrillator for every village we thought we would get some support but the response has been incredible.
“We now have some very good coverage of defibrillators for Saddleworth.”
The defibrillator and lifesaving training will take place on Wednesday, December 7 at 6.30pm at Delph Methodist Church. All members of the public are welcome.
The network of defibrillators includes Denshaw Village Hall, The Three Crowns at Scouthead, Uppermill Civic Hall, Tame Valley Tennis and Squash Club in Greenfield, Christ Church Friezland Church Hall, The White Hart at Lydgate, Lido House in Grotton, Lees Library and Delph Library, as well as privately placed defibrillators.
The defibrillators, which are housed in bright yellow boxes on the outside of the buildings, are checked regularly by volunteers in each community.
A code can be obtained when calling 999 if someone is in cardiac arrest and the paramedic will talk you through how to access and use the equipment.
Training has already taken place at Austerlands Cricket Club through the Scouthead and Austerlands Community Group.
Cllr Derek Heffernan, who is also Mayor of Oldham, added: “In a cardiac arrest every minute counts. The sooner intervention takes place the more chance of survival.
“In some of our rural communities it is vital we work together. The more people in the community who have had basic lifesaving training the better our chances.”
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