Funding for lifesaving equipment in Audlem

A new defibrillator for a rural Cheshire community has been hailed as a ‘potential life-saver’ by the county’s police and crime commissioner David Keane.

The vital new piece of equipment will be placed in a community building in Audlem by Doddington and District Parish Council and was made possible thanks to a grant from the commissioner’s Community Police Fund.

The fund uses money generated from the seizure of assets of convicted criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act and is part of David’s ongoing commitment to local communities, while also sending a clear message to offenders that crime does not pay.

It’s one of 122 individual grants being handed out to each of the 122 policing communities in Cheshire. Community police officers and PCSOs have been working with local residents to develop bids of up-to £1,000 to fund projects which address local issues.

According to the British Heart Foundation, for every minute’s delay in getting a defibrillator to someone suffering from cardiac arrest, their chances of survival are reduce by 10 per cent.

David said: “In the more rural parts of our community it is not always as easy for our emergency services to reach those who need help as quickly as they would in more urban areas.

“Whether it’s road or cycle accidents, or someone suffering from a heart problem while out walking or jogging, there’s a long list of potential reasons anyone could need this kind of life-saving help. In these situations, every second counts so this defibrillator could be a potential life-saver.”

He added: “Not only will this scheme provide this vital new piece of equipment, but it will open the door for volunteers to be trained in first aid, providing real peace of mind to the local community.”

Neil Arthur, from Doddington and District Parish Council, said when applying for the grant: “This project could potentially save a life.

“It would bring peace of mind to a rural community knowing where a defibrillator could be accessed.

“It would also give the local community a chance to be first aid trained.”