A campaign to make life-saving defibrillators available across Monmouthshire is underway after a series of heart attacks forced the issue.

 

The Village Life Project, a community initiative, wants to install defibrillators in rural areas so the vital equipment can be on-hand during emergencies.

An incident on Abergavenny’s high street in February highlighted the importance of having a defibrillator close by, and can mean the difference between a cardiac arrest proving fatal or the victim surviving.

Last week, local residents met at Cross Ash Primary School with the head teacher, one of the school governors and the project secretary to discuss the project. 

 

Laura Perrett, headteacher, said, “We are really keen to support this project and as the school is a central part of the community it would be a great place for a defibrillator. It will also help us to teach the children more about first aid.”

 

Catherine Fookes Labour AM candidate said “This is a fantastic project and I’d like to see all schools in the constituency with a life-saving defibrillator. The project can also help combat loneliness and get people together in their communities. I am delighted to be involved in this project.”

 

Tom Pitts-Tucker, a retired GP and the project secretary, added, “We are really pleased Cross Ash wants to join in. The aspiration is for a local group to form in each area and go on to develop a volunteer-run ‘help in a crisis’ support scheme, complementing the emergency services and boosting community resilience and well-being.”

 

For more information contact [email protected].