Wightlink has renewed its commitment to lifesaving by updating its defibrillator equipment across the company.
Cabinets containing the latest Automated External Defibrillators (AED) machines have been installed in public areas on terminal buildings to allow easy access when they are required.
The AEDs have been placed at Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Pier Head catamaran terminals and Portsmouth, Fishbourne and Lymington car ferry terminals. Defibrillators are also on board ships and catamarans ready for use if necessary.
Wightlink’s CEO Keith Greenfield has said:
“Wightlink’s investment in state-of-the-art AED equipment shows our commitment to customer service.
“We know people who suffer a cardiac arrest are far more likely to recover if someone trained to use a defibrillator can take action as soon as possible. We encourage all staff to learn the technique in case they are called upon to save a life.”
This investment in AEDs followed an incident in February 2017 when off duty firefighter Stuart McDonald quickly stepped in to help staff aid a fellow passenger who had collapsed with chest pains at Ryde Pier Head. They supported the customer until paramedics arrived. Although a defibrillator was available for use, it was not needed on this occasion.
