A defibrillator has been installed at Chester Bus Interchange.
The new lifesaving device was fitted by the North West Ambulance Service at ‘Stand A’ and is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
All staff working at Chester Bus Interchange have also been trained in the use of a defibrillator.
Community resuscitation manager Robert Hussey said: “The chance of survival is reduced by 10 per cent for every minute without CPR and defibrillation.
“It’s vital that people in the community are made aware of what to do in the event of a cardiac arrest and are able to start life-saving work even before we’re able to get there.
“Early defibrillation gives patients in a cardiac arrest the best possible chance which is why it’s so important that community access defibrillators are available in as many places as possible.
“They’re so easy to use as the machine will tell you everything you need to know and you can’t do it wrong.”
In the event of a cardiac arrest, you should dial 999 as soon as possible and an emergency medical dispatcher will give you all the instructions you require.
They’ll let you know if there is a defibrillator nearby and how to access it.
In addition, Cheshire West and Chester Council has been running a Heartstart scheme for over four years, offering training on basic emergency life support skills and how to use a defibrillator.
Since launching in 2013, more than 1,500 people have been trained.
The two hour Heartstart training session includes:
• helping a conscious casualty
• getting help and using the recovery position
• learning how to perform chest compressions and rescue breathing (CPR)
• dealing with a suspected heart attack
• choking
• serious bleeding
• how to operate a defibrillator
There are over 50 defibrillators around Chester city centre and members of the public making an emergency 999 call for medical assistance will be directed to the nearest unit.
If you are interested in attending the Heartstart training, please email mark.simmons@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.
