Express & Star

#heartsafe15 defibrillator training sessions: Learn how to become a life-saver for free

A free defibrillator training event is to be held in Wolverhampton as part of the Express & Star's #heartsafe15 campaign for life-saving devices in the city.

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Organisers are hoping hundreds will turn up to learn free life-saving techniques at the event at the Civic Hall on September 19.

The Express & Star has joined with defibrillator fundraisers AEDdonate to run the campaign.

Jamie Richards, fundraiser at AEDdonate, said: "The idea is that it is an open day for anybody in Wolverhampton to come along and learn how to use a defibrillator and to do CPR lifesaving, so in the case of anybody having a cardiac arrest, people will know what to do.

"One of the biggest problems with defibrillators is people think you have to be trained to use them – you don't, you open it and it tells you what to do."

It is hoped around 20 trainers will be on hand on the day to demonstrate lifesaving tools on the day. The event is due to run from 10am to 4pm, but times will be confirmed closer to the time.

Mr Richards added: "I would like to see hundreds or even thousands of people turning up. It is 15 minutes to show people the key tools to save a life. People will learn basic CPR and how to use a defibrillator."

Any first aid trainers who would like to help on the day can contact AEDdonate on 01785 472 224.

More than 100,000 people die from sudden cardiac arrest in Britain every year and the Express & Star has launched the #heartsafe15 campaign to fund potentially life-saving defibrillators in the city.

Slade frontman Noddy Holder is backing the campaign as is Olympic archer Alison Williamson and former Wolves director Kevin Threlfall whose life was saved by a defibrillator.

So far two defibrillators have been funded due to donations.

Using defibrillators in the first few minutes of an arrest means the chances of resuscitation can increase by 70 per cent.

The defibrillators will be placed in a waterproof, secure cabinet anywhere people gather. The cabinet is protected with a pin code. This code is provided by a member of the emergency services as soon as a call to 999 is made and the location of the public-access defibrillator provided. These defibrillators are logged on the national database.

Call AEDdonate on 01785 472 224 to get involved.

You can also give by text message by texting 'AEDW50' to 70070 followed by how much you want to donate.

Alternatively, you can make an online donate online via by going to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/wolverhampton-aed-campaign.

We are also encouraging people to take part by tweeting us at #heartsafe15

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