St Neots becomes defib capital of the east

People in Huntingdonshire have shared their community spirit by funding their eighth defibrillator in 18 months.

St Neots has become the defibrillator capital of the east of England, thanks to the efforts of a paramedic and the support of councillors, businesses and community groups.

Since April 2014, seven community public access defibrillators (CPAD) have been installed in the area after Jenni, paramedic and clinical support desk clinician, secured £10,000 from St Neots Town Council and around £7,000 from fundraising and donations.

Jenni said the project had “snowballed” after starting a campaign to get a defibrillator installed at Cross Hall School: “I’m delighted with the amount of support there has been for this project. We all know that effective CPR and early use of a defibrillator can make the difference between life or death if someone is in cardiac arrest.”

Around 80 people have also received first aid training to use a defibrillator, and there are new plans to launch two further CPADs in the area.

Well done Jenni!

Published 31^st August, 2015