Defibrillator saves man’s life in Starbeck

A Harrogate nurse has spoken about how a defibrillator saved a man’s life at a 50th birthday party in Starbeck on Saturday.

Andy Dennis, who works in the intensive care unit at Harrogate District Hospital, was among guests at Harrogate Railway Sports and Social Club.

Mr Dennis was talking to hospital colleagues when he noticed the DJ, Dave Bielby, slumped motionless in his chair.

He went over and could not detect a pulse so he called for help and began administering chest compressions to restart his heart. He said:

Fortunately the club had a defibrillator on site and Mr Dennis, aided by players and other nurses, gave four electric shocks in between further chest compressions. He said:

“After the fourth shock, he started to move and vomited. Then the paramedics arrived and I handed over control to them.”

Mr Dennis said the defibrillator almost certainly saved Mr Bielby’s life because the time it would have taken to get one of two others in Starbeck — at the Prince of Wales pub and the Lloyds Pharmacy — would have cost valuable time.

“It made all the difference. The more these things are available to everyone and people have training in them the better. They really are easy to use.

“It would be great if we could use this tragic but well-ending story to get word out and encourage more people to get trained in using defibrillators.”

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Harrogate Railway Athletic FC is now encouraging everyone to sign a petition calling for defibrillators to be installed at all sports grounds.

Peter Scott, a volunteer for Harrogate Community First Responders, which works with Yorkshire Ambulance Service to provide emergency treatment, said every minute lost treating someone when their heart stops reduces their chances of survival by 10%.

He said defibrillators cost between £1,000 and £2,000 and more should be installed around the Harrogate district.

He added:

“It’s important people know how easy it is to use defibrillators.

“If you can take the fear out of using them it will save more lives.”

Mr Bielby posted his gratitude to those who helped on the Harrogate Railway Facebook page. He said:

“I died and was brought back to life. Can’t thank the guys enough. Currently in hospital. The road to recovery starts now.”

Mr Dennis is fundraising to raise £200,000 for the medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres. You can support his efforts here.

Do you know where to find your nearest defibrillator?

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.”

Photo of defibrillator unit at Ripon Rugby Club

Ripon Rugby Club is one of 19 locations around the city with a defibrillator unit.

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: