A new public access defibrillator (PAD), which can be called upon 24 hours a day, has taken its place on the outside wall of Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club on Shanklin Esplanade.
Using funds donate to them by Shanklin Rotary Club, the rowing club has funded and fitted a secure outdoor box to house a defibrillator supplied by Shanklin Town Council.
The box has been kindly erected by Richard Broadhead (Club Treasurer) and Terry Nigh (Club Secretary). It is visible from the road, close to the cliff lift.
Councillor Jon Gilbey of Shanklin Town Council has said:
“This Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) is the best way to increase the chances of someone surviving a cardiac arrest while out and about, and I’m happy to say we will have 7 in Shanklin stretching from the Theatre right along the Esplanade from Hope Beach to Shanklin Chine.
“The Town Council was happy to supply the unit in partnership with Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club and Shanklin Rotary as we believe you can never have enough of these vital bits of kit. We will also be looking to add another in the Old Village on the new toilets blocks, as this location covers the car and coach park, as well as Tower Cottage Gardens and the top of the Chine.
“We will continue to work with partner organisations and the local authority to provide valuable services for our residents and visitors to the town”.
Louise Walker, head of the Ambulance Training & Community Response Services said:
“The time critical element of a cardiac arrest cannot be underestimated. It is absolutely essential that our community has access to these life saving devices and it really is wonderful news that Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club is now the proud owner of the Island’s newest PAD.
“A cardiac arrest is when a casualty becomes unconscious and is not breathing normally because the heart has stopped pumping oxgendated blood around the body. A defibrillator will analyse a casualty’s heart rhythm and shock them if needed.
“For every minute that passes without defibrillation and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), chances of survival decrease by around 10%”.
Last month a PAD was unveiled at the far end of Shanklin Esplanade, at The Fisherman’s Cottage, thanks to donations from Terry & Sue Ramplin and The Island Savoyards.
In the event of a cardiac arrest the rescuer must dial 999 for the Ambulance Service, who will make the caller aware of their nearest defibrillator.
