© 2024 Buckland Newton Community Website Committee Last updated 18th March 2024 09:50 Website design and update by Jeremy Collins

Defibrillator

The village now has its own

defibrillator, housed in an unlocked

cupboard on an outside wall of the

Village Hall by the kitchen door, under

the veranda

Buckland Newton Community Website
in the heart of rural Dorset

Buckland Newton Defibrillator

Information

Every year we publish information about the Defibrillator we have here in Buckland Newton which is of particular benefit to those who have recently moved into the village. Where is it? The Defib is housed in an unlocked cupboard on the outside wall of BN Village Hall by the back door, off the kitchen. It is available for use in an emergency, after dialing 999 and as advised by the paramedics. Who can use it? Anyone can use the Defib, as it speaks instructions to you. There is a group of Runners in the village, who will fetch the Defib in an emergency. This list is published in the LVN every month, inside the front cover. A guide of what to do in a medical emergency is also printed in this edition of the LVN, which explains how the system works and who to contact. Many thanks to all the Runners for their continued support. Maintenance of Defib The Defib is checked almost every day by a member of the committee, to make sure it is in full working order. Training in its use We hold a Defib and CPR Training morning in Buckland Newton Village Hall every year taken by the South West Ambulance Service (SWAST) which anyone can attend. The next training day is on Saturday, 9th March 2024 in the Village Hall. There will be a reminder in the February edition of the LVN. Careline Users If you are a Careline User please ensure your provider is aware of the existence of the Defib in the village. New Runners and Committee Members If you are interested in becoming a Runner, joining the Defib committee or would like any more information, please contact one of us. Sandie Stout - 345135 Jane Willis – 345477

Defib Notes

In an emergency always ring 999 - ambulance - straight away; they will advise you. How you get the defibrillator in an emergency is worth a bit of prior thought. Maybe you have a friend or neighbour who is willing to help, either to fetch the defib or to contact a Defib Runner for you. The Defib Runners are not to be called out at any other time except when the ambulance service has asked for the defibrillator to be brought - for all other medical problems please ring 999 or see your GP. The defib cupboard with the defib inside is located at the Village Hall and is well signposted but it may be a good idea to check out for yourself exactly where it is next time you pass the Village Hall. Information cards, to be kept by the phone, have been delivered to every house - if you have not received yours, please contact Fizz Lewis on 345521. They show the list of Defib Runners who have agreed to be telephoned at any time to fetch the defibrillator. It is of course up to you whether you want to use them or a neighbour or friend. NB: for anyone who hasn’t been to an awareness session on the defib - this apparatus will not work on anyone whose heart is still beating. Use of CPR and the defib, under Ambulance Service instruction, gives a person the best possible outcome after an arrest. The machine is being checked once a week by two Committee members, to ensure it is perfect working order. South West Ambulance Service Trust are responsible for the maintenance and sorting any problems. The original defib has been replaced by a new one in December 2020. The Defib Committee Jan Burnett, Diana Wells, Sandie Stout, Jane Willis and Fizz Lewis We are very grateful to all our volunteer Defib Runners. We would like to know if there is anyone else, especially if they live near the village hall, who would like to volunteer to go on the list too. The Defibrillator is checked almost every day by our unsung hero, Sandie Stout, to make sure it is in full working order. Some of the supplies with it are replaced annually by SWAST who are in contact with Sandie. Sandie is also a Committee member and Runner and we are very grateful to her for this work.
Defib Runners  The list of runners are named in order according to proximity to the Village Hall and           availability.  N.B. Defib Runners should only be called when  Ambulance Service operator requests the  defib.     All other medical situations please see your GP (or ring for an ambulance)     Some or all of these symptoms could indicate the need for *CPR and Defibrillation   No signs of life – unresponsive    Pale and clammy skin, blue lips   Not breathing or unusual breathing  Tips   Give some thought as to how this scheme could work for you.   Try to stay calm.   Turn on house lights.   Leave front door open.   Turn on alarm if you have one.   Put your phone on ‘speaker’ if you are able.     *CPR—Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation