A new public access defibrillator (PAD) has been installed outside Guernsey’s Beau Sejour Leisure Centre so that the life saving equipment is available even when the centre is closed.
The PAD, which has been donated by Ravenscroft, is in addition to the defibrillator which is located inside Beau Sejour.
Early defibrillation is crucial in cases of cardiac arrest, and prompt use of CPR and a defibrillator can improve chances of survival by 10% per minute.
“The new defibrillator is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We’re in a high-traffic area, with the skatepark, Cambridge Park, and many residents living nearby and so this generous donation from Ravenscroft will ensure that there is always a defibrillator available to anyone who may need it,” said Samantha Herridge, Head of Recreation Services at Beau Sejour.
Mike Froome, community resuscitation development officer from the Cardiac Action Group, said this would provide vital coverage in the area, with the next nearest 24-hour access defibrillator being at St James Concert Hall.
“We have hundreds of defibs across the island now, but not all of these are available around the clock. To have one in such a busy area will provide much-needed support in case there is an emergency.”
The charity has installed 122 24-hour PADs across the Bailiwick and has provided cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator (AED) training to more than 3,000 islanders since 2018, including Ravenscroft staff.
Ravenscroft Head of Client Services Sophie Yabsley said the company was delighted to have been able to sponsor a second defibrillator for the community, having installed one outside its office in New Street in 2019. “Supporting our community is a large part of who we are as a business. It’s been well publicised how important defibrillators are in saving lives, so when the idea to install one outside Beau Sejour was suggested, we didn’t hesitate to say yes.”
The main picture shows the new public access defibrillator at Beau Sejour, which has been donated by Ravenscroft. Left to right is Sophie Yabsley, Lee Sebire and Samantha Herridge.
