Peasedown St John’s community library has only been open for 3 months, and now, thanks to the support of a local councillor, is home to an essential life-saving device.
Last week, a defibrillator was installed on the exterior wall of Peasedown Library at St John’s Close, positioned facing the car park entrance for maximum visibility for both residents, passers-by and visitors to the area.
Used to help people suffering a cardiac arrest, as the name suggests, defibrillation stops fibrillation, the trembling that a person’s heart muscles can adopt during a cardiac arrest.
A defibrillator works by using a high-voltage (around 200–1,000 volts) to pass an electric current through the heart so it stops working, and is then shocked into beating normally again at the correct rate.
The installation of the machine has been funded by Cllr Sarah Bevan (Independent, Peasedown St John) through her Ward Councillor’s Empowerment Fund.
Sarah said: “In the UK, figures show that approximately 200 people a day suffer an unexpected cardiac arrest, with the chances of survival increasing by 50% with early defibrillation.
“For every minute that passes the chances of survival decrease by more than 20%. Defibrillators therefore need to be as common as fire extinguishers in all public places and work places.
“This location at Peasedown Community Library is an ideal place for the machine. Residents visit the building regularly, which is situated in a sheltered housing area with a high percentage of people living over the age of 70 living nearby.”
The defibrillator was installed by Arcs and Sparks Electricians, with the kind permission of Curo Homes, the owners of the building.
Library Operations Manager, Cllr Karen Walker (Independent, Peasedown St John) added: “We held a training session last Monday, which enabled our library volunteers to find out how the defibrillator works, should they need to use it in an emergency.
“As well as providing access to over 2 million books, Peasedown Community Library can now give those suffering a heart attack life-saving help too!”
Peasedown St John Community Library is open 3 days per week, Mondays 1-4pm, Wednesdays 1-4pm, and Saturdays 10am-1pm.
