Physiotherapists in Hampshire have installed an automated external defibrillator on the outside of their clinic after raising more than £1,000 to pay for the device.
Sports therapist Francesca Wicker, clinical director Paul Baker, non-clinical director Fiona Moir, sports massage practitioner Cameron Knapp, physiotherapist Kim Leith and community first responder Linda Read
Staff at goPhysio in Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, raised £1,100 towards the full £2,000 cost and the business provided the remainder.
The CSP has backed a call by UK charity the Oliver King Foundation for defibrillators to be available in all schools and other public buildings by 2017.
Paul Baker, clinical director of goPhysio, said: ‘We feel incredibly lucky to work with such a supportive community. Without the help of local residents and businesses, this new defibrillator would not have been possible.
Peace of mind
‘We felt it was important to have one which is available 24/7 as we have so many businesses nearby. It is peace of mind for a lot of people, just knowing it is there should it be needed’.
The Oliver King Foundation was set up after the death of 12-year-old Oliver King from sudden arrhythmic death syndrome. It has called on the government to install defibrillators in all public buildings and provide training for staff working in them.
Mark King, founder of the charity, said: ‘To date, we have placed almost 2,000 of the devices in schools and communities across the UK and trained more than 18,000 people in emergency first aid.
Long way to go
‘We know of 17 lives that have been saved by defibrillators placed by the foundation. We are very proud of our achievements, however there is a long way to go to ensure all schools in the UK have access to a defibrillator.’
Author: Robert Millett
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