Daisy Bank defibrillator installed thanks to Crown and Sceptre locals

Community members were motivated to raise money for the 'Daisy Bank' defibrillator, as it is locally known, after two pub locals suffered heart attacks in the space of 12 months.

The Daisy Bank defibrillator was installed thanks to fantastic community fundraising

Additionally nearby Stroud General Hospital lost its 24-hour A&E department, meaning that there would be no doctors available for emergencies after 11pm.

A defibrillator is a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart through the chest wall to someone who is in cardiac arrest.

This high energy shock is called defibrillation, and when used correctly and quickly, it can be a life-saving device for someone suffering a heart attack.

Crown and Sceptre landlord Rodda Thomas with Friends of Daisybank chair Hayley Shortt

Once community members had decided to purchase the device, which cost in excess of £1800, they set about raising money in a variety of different ways.

Starting with the popular Outer Fringe Festival held at the pub in August, tombola drums were turned, buckets shaken and produce from the annual country fair auctioned, along with many other fun fundraising activities.

Crown and Sceptre landlord Rodda Thomas thanked the community for their contribution: "We are very proud that our community has been able to raise the money to buy the equipment.

"We'd like to thank everyone who put some cash into the buckets, bought raffle tickets, and contributed in some way towards the total," he said.

Since the defibrillator was installed a fortnight ago cardiac nurse Jo Mudge has run a class on emergency cardiac care at the pub, and may do another if there is enough interest.

The defibrillator can be accessed using a code which will be given by a 999 operator

The following guidance is provided by the British Heart Foundation for public defibrillator use:

• If you come across someone who has had a cardiac arrest, it’s vital to call 999 and start CPR. Then you should find out if there is a defibrillator nearby.
• There are many defibrillators available in public places such as train stations, shopping centres, airport and leisure centres.
• These defibrillators are often known as public access defibrillators (PAD) as anyone can use them in an emergency.
• You shouldn’t be afraid of using a defibrillator if someone has had a cardiac arrest.

In the instance of the Daisy Bank defibrillator, the cabinet does have a lock on it, though all the neighbours will have a card with the code on it.

Dialling 999 and quoting the location of the A.E.D can also obtain the code.

For more information visit bhf.org.uk/heart-health/how-to-save-a-life/defibrillators