In case you haven’t noticed it, the Nevill estate now has a defibrillator on the front wall of St Mary’s Church Hall, Highdown Road. The next closest (closer for some of the estate) is on the wall of St Mary’s Supporter’s club, Christie Road. Most of the money for this was raised by Angela Brinkhurst on behalf of Sussex Heart Charity. We are very grateful to her and the SHC. We also want to thank those that have donated money towards it and its upkeep, and Mark for giving his time and skill to fit it. If you’re selling things at the 8th June estate yard sale, please consider donating money to the SHC, so that other areas can also get a life-saving defibrillator.
Carolyn Tyrer came to the AGM to introduce us to the defibrillator and the SHC. Defibrillators are smart machines. If someone is collapsed and you think their heart isn’t beating, shout for help, send someone for the defibrillator, and start chest compressions. You will need to open (or cut away – scissors are in the case) the clothing over the chest, including a bra, fix the two pads where the diagram shows you, and allow the defibrillator to take charge. It will tell you what it’s doing and what you can do to help. It will only give a shock if it’s appropriate. You cannot do any harm by using the defibrillator!
There will be an opportunity for a ‘getting to know it’ one hour session for up to 10 people. That will be advertised soon, so look out for it if you’d like to be more confident about how to save a life.