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20

Oct 2023

Last Updated: 20/10/2023
Community
Community

Ripon defibrillator donation made in memory of paramedic

by Tim Flanagan

| 20 Oct, 2023
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ripon-19th-oct-2023-defib-donation

A defibrillator installed this week at the newly-opened Ripon Inn will provide a fitting reminder of the work of former paramedic Martin Faulkner.

Mr Faulkner, who worked for Yorkshire Ambulance Service and was one of its first personnel to serve as a paramedic, died in October 2022 after a long illness.

On Monday, the defibrillator purchased in his memory, was unveiled by his widow Patricia and son Chris at a ceremony also attended by Ripon Inn general manager Dan Chrisp, Eleanor Hartas and Alec Lutton of Defibs Ripon, Joanne Watson of Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Roger Fay of Zion Baptist Church and Cllr Pauline McHardy.

Martin Faulkner was one of Yorkshire's first paramedics.

Martin Faulkner was one of Yorkshire's first paramedics.



The life-saving device, was paid for with money raised by the Faulkner family and a donation from the Zion Baptist Church in Blossomgate, where Ms Faulkner is a member.

She said:

"Martin was a quiet man who didn't seek recognition, but he would be proud of what has been achieved today.
"Our hope, as his family, is that this defibrillator placed outside the Ripon Inn, will help save the life of someone's loved one, perhaps over the years, many lives."


Mr Lutton, pointed out:

"This is the 23rd defibrillator to be installed in the Ripon area and I thank the Faulkner family and Zion Baptist Church for this wonderful gesture."


Three-times Mayor Of Ripon, Cllr Pauline McHardy, added:

"I was delighted to be invited to today's unveiling and it's reassuring to know that the number of defibrillators we have in the city makes it one of the safest places to be if you have a heart attack.
"Having worked for more than 40 years as a nurse in the NHS, I know that swift action is essential and does save lives. With this in mind, it is also important for people to  go on the training courses provided by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service to learn how they can use a defibrillator."