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Apr 2021

Last Updated: 21/04/2021

Health

Do you know where to find your nearest defibrillator?

by Tim Flanagan

| 21 Apr, 2021

Defibrillators save lives and as lockdown eases, and more people go out, a group in Ripon is raising awareness of the city's 19 locations that host the distinctive green and yellow units containing the devices.

ripon-20th-april-2021-defibrillator-allhallowgate-methodists

Defibrillator in Ripon.

For seven years, a group called Defibrillators For Ripon has been installing defibrillators at selected sites in the city.

The sites range from churches to sports grounds.

As the covid lockdown eases, and more people go out to shop, socialise and play sport, the group is keen to raise awareness of where the potentially life-saving units are located and how to use them.

Alec Lutton, of Defibrillators For Ripon, told the Stray Ferret:

"A heart attack or cardiac arrest could happen to anyone of any age at any time, day or night.

"If you find someone having a cardiac arrest, start CPR straight away, phone 999 and once you give the operator your location, they will tell you where the nearest defibrillator unit is.

"Do not leave the person on their own - send someone else for the defibrillator.

"The person sent for the unit, will be asked by the operator for the code on the front of the cabinet, and then given the code to open it and obtain the defibrillator.

"Each has a built-in voice instruction guide, to help you use it."

The defibrillators are set to 'adult mode', and must be moved to the setting 1-8, if a child is to be treated.

If someone has a cardiac arrest, the unit will buy precious time following the 999 call until a community first responder and ambulance arrives.

The defibrillators have been installed with help, guidance and approval from Yorkshire Ambulance Service, NHS England and Harrogate Borough Council, as well as businesses and sports clubs.

Mr Lutton said:

"Eleven of the units have been purchased through Ripon Lions Club, which has been supporting us since 2015.

"Many people within this wonderful city have made donations or organised fundraising events, including one remarkable woman who raised more than £4,000."

Further information about Defibrillators For Ripon can be found on the Facebook page Defibs Ripon

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The locations of the defibrillators and their postcodes are:

Allhallowgate Methodist Church. HG4 1LG

Darnborough Gate. HG4 2TF

Grosvenor Park. HG4 1UF

Harrogate Road Methodist Church. HG4 1TG

Hell Wath, Sports Hall. HG4 2SE

The Moors Care Centre. HG4 2SB

North House Surgery. HG4 1JT

Ripon Bowling Club. HG4 1QW

Ripon City Cemetery. HG4 2HH

Ripon Farm Services. HG4 1TT

Ripon Fire station. HG4 1LJ

Ripon Golf Club. HG4 3HH

Ripon Grammar School. HG4 2DG

Ripon Racecourse. HG4 1UG

Ripon Rugby club. HG4 2RD

Riverside Village Management Ltd. HG4 1AJ

Studley Roger village. HG4 3AY

The Unicorn Hotel. HG4 1BP (Reopens 17 May)

United Response, HG4 2TS

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Do you know where to find your nearest defibrillator?

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