Life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been installed at 13 Cambridgeshire County Council offices across the whole county – for use by local communities as well as council staff and visitors.
The Defibrillators can potentially save lives in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, a leading cause of death globally. As the AEDs are available for members of the public to use, they will be registered on The Circuit, the National Defibrillator Network website.
The installation of the AEDs was conducted free of charge by GSH, the council's contractor for maintenance works, as part of its commitment to support social value projects in the local community.
“This is a fantastic initiative, not just providing reassurance for any staff working at the sites or people who visit the County Council – but in the way we have been able to extend this life saving equipment into local communities,” said Cllr Lucy Nethsingha, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council. “While the county council has funded the units, thanks to GSH, the installation has been done for free.”
Mark Pawson, GSH Group Director said “GSH managed and organised the installation works, providing dedicated power supplies to each unit, ensuring they are always fully charged and available when needed.
“We are proud to have supported and worked in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council on this important community project.”
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a medical emergency that occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating, and it can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Prompt intervention is crucial to increase the chances of survival. AEDs are designed to provide life-saving electrical shocks to restore the heart's normal rhythm during an SCA event.
Having AEDs on-site ensures that immediate assistance is available to any employee or visitor who may experience sudden cardiac arrest. The quick application of an AED can be the difference between life and death, as every minute without defibrillation decreases the survival rate by approximately 10%.
The AEDs are user-friendly, providing clear, step-by-step instructions to guide even untrained individuals through the defibrillation process.
If a member of the public needs directions to their nearest AED, please call 999 and the emergency services will inform you of the nearest defibrillator to your location.
The new AEDS have been installed at:
- Awdry House, Wisbech
- Buttsgrove Centre, Huntingdon
- Fawcett House, Trumpington
- Grafham Water, Huntingdon
- Hereward Hall, March
- New Shire Hall, Alconbury
- Nobel House, Ely
- Scott House, Huntingdon
- Signet Court, Cambridge
- Speke House, St Ives
- Stanton House, Cambridge
- Sunley House, Papworth Everard
- The Bargroves Centre, St Neots
- Vantage House, Huntingdon
