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Defibrillators can be found at an increasing number of locations across Ripon and surrounding areas, but would you know how to use one to save somebody’s life?
The Defibs-Ripon group has organised a free CPR and defibrillator familiarisation lesson to ensure the vital skills are shared with as many people as possible.
The 90-minute lesson is being provided by Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) and attendees will have the opportunity to practice cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the service’s training dummy, as well as being taught how to use a defibrillator.
Alec Lutton of Defibs-Ripon said:
“Handling the defibrillator and trying out CPR helps take away the fear of having to do this for the first time in an emergency and may help save the life of a loved one, or a complete stranger, some day.”
The training session will be held at Ripon Bowling Club on Tuesday, August 22. Places are free but must be booked in advance by emailing ripondefibs@gmail.com.
Mr Lutton added:
“Over the last seven years we have tried to encourage as many people as possible to attend these lessons. However, some think it will never happen to them or their friends.
“The important thing to remember is that it can happen to anyone at any time, and anywhere.”
The Ripon Royal Engineers Association and the Ripon branch of the Royal British Legion have joined forces to restore benches in the city’s Garden of Remembrance.
The restoration was carried out by former serving Sapper Keith Riley and the re-painted wooden benches with their brass plaques gleaming again, are back in place ahead of the service of blessing at the garden on November 5.
Mr Riley, who learnt carpentry along with many other skills during a 37-year career in the Royal engineers, told the Stray Ferret:
“It was an honour to be asked to carry out this work and I was pleased that I was able to do my bit.”
The newly restored benches
Kenn Hart, former serving Sapper and Ripon REA chair, said:
“I noticed that the three benches in the memorial garden were in a terrible condition, so I contacted Keith, who I know has expertise in restoration work of this nature.
“He was supported by two more former serving Sappers Alec Lutton, representing the Ripon RBL and Hamish Hamilton of the REA.”
How the benches looked before they were restored
All bills for the work were paid by the REA, on behalf of the community of Ripon.
Mr Lutton, who cleaned the memorial plaques on each of the benches added:
“We are grateful to H.A.Green & Sons, who have cleaned the plinth in the garden.
“It is important to keep the benches usable, for the many visitors who walk in the garden and may wish to sit and reflect on the past and the sacrifices made by our wonderful forces.”
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