Life-saving defibrillator installed at the Outwoods
Published: Mon 29th April, 2024
The photo shows from left to right: Alan Harrison-White, member of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust, Andrew Doodson, senior sports development officer at Active Charnwood, Josh Teager, head ranger at the Outwoods and Richard Everard, member of the Outwoods Management Committee.
A popular open space in Loughborough has had a life-saving defibrillator (AED) installed.
Charnwood Borough Council has worked in partnership with Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT) to install the equipment at the Outwoods in Loughborough.
The public access defibrillator and associated electrical work was paid for by the borough council with the AED cabinet and associated signage provided by the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust.
The defibrillator is now available for use and is accessible to anyone, including visitors, staff and volunteers in the event of a cardiac emergency.
Matthew Bradford, the Council’s head of contracts for leisure, waste and environment said: “I am really pleased to see this important piece of life-saving equipment installed at the Outwoods.
“The open space has thousands of visitors each year, so it is vital that the defibrillator has been installed in case of an emergency.
“I would like to thank the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust in their support in having this defibrillator installed.”
The defibrillator has been installed on the side of Olivia’s Café based at the visitor centre at the Outwoods.
The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust will offer free training on how to use the defibrillator to staff members at Olivia’s Café and to rangers and volunteers at the Outwoods.
The equipment will be available to use 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Charles Poole, Joe Humphries Memorial Trust, said: “With the Outwoods being such a popular destination for people of all ages to enjoy the many different routes and walks in the ancient woodland including the added attraction of a new visitor centre and café and children’s play area, it also provides an ideal location to place a Public Accessible Defibrillator.
“After all a sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime, any age and without any warning. Whether at home, at work, at leisure or playing sport.
“Every minute without prompt CPR and access to an AED, the chance of survival decreases by 10%. That's why it's so vitally important to have this lifesaving equipment readily available 24/7 across all communities and for a bystander to act immediately and without hesitation before the emergency services arrive.”
As well as providing free CPR and defibrillator training, the JHMT works hard to raise awareness of sudden heart deaths, helps to provide community defibrillators and runs Inspire, a local grants scheme for inspirational young people.
Joe Humphries Memorial Trust was set up after the tragic death of Rothley teenager Joe Humphries in 2012, who died from sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) while out on a run. You can find out more about the charity on their website.
The Council and Joe Humphries Memorial Trust worked in partnership to install a defibrillator at Queen’s Park in Loughborough in October 2022.