We now have a new HeartSafe Public Access Defibrillator installed just outside the main entrance of Blighmont Barracks in Millbrook, Southhampton!
Back in 2018, during a Physical Training lesson, one of the recruits of the centre, unfortunately, suffered a heart attack, followed by a cardiac arrest, which subsequently stopped his breathing. Due to the courageous efforts of his fellow soldiers, the individual was kept alive for 20 minutes with the use of CPR. When the paramedics arrived, they used a defibrillator to restart the soldier’s heart.
The soldiers administering CPR are credited with saving the soldier’s life. Sadly, at the time this was the third member of staff to have a heart attack on the site.
Following this, during 2019, the members of the 457 Battery decided they would raise the funds necessary to purchase a defibrillator that could be accessed by the entire community! They did an amazing job, with multiple activities such as a sponsored cycle, running event and a quiz night. Not to mention the Open Day held at the barracks on the 29th of June 2019, which remarkably saw over 800 people attend!
With their incredible efforts, the full cost of the defibrillator was raised by October 19th, with the plan of having it installed in early 2020. Unfortunately due to Covid-19, this was delayed, however, we are now happy to say that their defibrillator has been installed and is ready 24/7 for anyone who may need it!
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