A NEW range of public-use defibrillators are being installed in Lechlade, Fairford and surrounding villages.
It comes after a six month campaign organised by the Lechlade and District Lions which has been supported by local councils, charities and organisations.
Up to 12 new defibrillators will be installed and two more defibrillators are expected to be placed by Christmas 2022.
The first two have already been placed inside the telephone box in Queens Field, Fairford and outside The Bridge Vet practice in Lechlade.
New government guidelines mean that 999 services will only direct people to use a public defibrillator if one is sited within 200 metres of a heart attack victim – so it becomes vital that more are placed where needed to help save lives.
One of the new defibrillators outside The Bridge Vet practice in Lechlade (Image: Lechlade and District Lions)
The new Lechlade defibrillator outside The Bridge Vet practice (Image: Lechlade and District Lions)
The Lions are organising free training and awareness days, run by paramedics and first responders, for local residents and organisations which will take place in early 2023.
President of Lechlade and District Lions Mike Read is an active Community First Responder knows at first hand that more defibrillators are needed in the area.
He said: “I have had to use defibs several times to keep people alive until the paramedics reach us.
“So I set out to work with other local support groups to coordinate a campaign to fund what the communities need.”
Christine Eatwell, Chairman of The Lechlade on Thames Heritage and Development Trust said: “We are delighted to support this defibrillator campaign through our Community Fund.
“Supporting community projects such as this will make Lechlade an even safer place to live.”
Chair of the Friends of Lechlade and Fairford Communities charity, Shelley Welsh said: “We are contributing so we can assist in supporting health care projects within the local community.”
The main contributors to the £25,000 target have been The Friends of Lechlade and Fairford Communities, The Lechlade on Thames Heritage and Development Trust, Stonewater Housing Association, Bromford Housing Association, Fairford Town Council, Lechlade Town Council and Cotswold District Council and the Lechlade and District Lions.
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