Georgia Steele, who won a donated defibrillator in our 20th business birthday giveaway back in December is a Health And Safety Coordinator at Petroc College in North Devon.
Georgia explained to us that she “understands the importance of having defibrillators available in educational institutions like colleges. Having now 4 defibrillators on campus can save lives in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, which can happen to anyone, including students, facility, or visitors.”
“It's a proactive measure to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in the college community. Providing access to defibrillators reflects a commitment to promoting a heart-safe environment and being prepared for emergencies”
SCA is a severe medical emergency that can occur anywhere at any time, even among healthy individuals. Unlike a heart attack, which involves a blocked artery, SCA is an abrupt loss of heart function caused by electrical malfunctions. Gyms, as hubs of physical activity, are not immune to this threat.
Time is of the essence in responding to SCA. The first few minutes are crucial, and having a defibrillator on-site and quick effective CPR can significantly improve survival chances from 6% to 74%. Anyone can experience SCA regardless of gender, age, fitness level, ethnicity or geography. Sadly, children and young adults also suffer from SCA.
Georgia is very passionate about the importance of awareness around CPR and the use of defibrillators, as “Raising awareness about cardiac arrest and defibrillators is important because it saves lives. Cardiac arrest is a serious condition that needs immediate help to survive.”
“When people know about cardiac arrest and defibrillators, they can spot the signs, call for help fast, and use a defibrillator nearby to help before medical help arrives. As a Health and Safety professional, I care about health and safety, and teaching about cardiac arrest and defibrillators helps keep people safe. Spreading this knowledge helps everyone be ready to act in emergencies, which could save lives.”
“The defibrillator was installed in our supported learning block in college, the intention is for it to be easily accessible and well-maintained. The defibrillator is part of the college's emergency preparedness plan, with staff trained in its use and procedures in place for its deployment in the event of a cardiac emergency. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive learning environment where everyone feels secure knowing that life saving equipment is available if needed.”
“I'm thrilled to be a part of creating another heartsafe area. Knowing that more people will have access to lifesaving equipment like defibrillators brings me a sense of fulfilment and purpose.”
“It's incredibly rewarding to contribute to initiatives that promote health and safety in communities, and I'm proud to play a role in making a positive difference in people's lives.”
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