Lifesaving equipment has been installed in every town across Stoke-on-Trent thanks to a city charity’s fund-raising

Lifesaving equipment has been installed in every town across Stoke-on-Trent thanks to a city charity’s fund-raising.

Stoke-on-Trent Lions raised £10,000 to have six defibrillators placed at locations across each of the Six Towns.

The devices, which have been installed in boxes outside various businesses, could be used to help save the lives of people going into cardiac arrest.

Stoke-on-Trent Lions are part of an international organisation working to improve the lives of people localities across the world.

The defibrillators were purchased as part of a scheme to celebrate the centenary of Lions Club International

 

They can now be found outside:

• Fenton – United Carpets and Beds, in Victoria Road.
• Burslem – Wayne Walkers, in Davenport Street.
• Tunstall – The Sneyd Arms Hotel, Tower Square.
• Stoke – Commercial Inn, Penkhull New Road.
• Hanley – Intu Potteries.
• Longton – St Mary and St Chad, Anchor Road.

Carole Godden, president of Stoke-on-Trent Lions, said: “To celebrate the centenary of Lions Club International all clubs had to come up with something as a legacy.

“We decided to put a defibrillator in all of the Six Towns of Stoke-on-Trent and we have raised enough money to do that.

“It feels amazing to have completed the project. We raise all of our money in Stoke-on-Trent so it really feels like we are giving something back to the people of Stoke-on-Trent.

“I am glad that the machines have been installed. I hope that nobody needs them, but if they ever do they’re there to help.

 

To access the machines members of the public have to dial 999 to receive the code to open the box. An ambulance will also be dispatched to help the individual in need.

Huw Chapman, the owner of United Carpets and Beds, said: “We had been involved in getting a defibrillator in Bagnall and wanted one at the shop.

“We had been saving up for one when Stoke-on-Trent Lions said they were looking for a place and wanted to put one at the shop.

“The box is accessible around the clock, which is really important.

 

“The money we had already raised for a defibrillator will go to putting one somewhere else.”

The defibrillators were installed by Stone-based charity AED Donate. Jamie Richards, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Defibrillators are super important, if one is used within two to three minutes then there is a much greater chance of survival. Ambulance response times can be eight minutes.”

 

AED Donate will be holding a free basic life support and defibrillator training event at its offices at 69 High Street, Stone, on Wednesday March 21, at 6pm.