Image above: example of a life saving Defibrillator device

Isn't it amazing how an event can spring someone into action. 18 months ago, Bob Groome attended a first aid at work course run by the St Johns Ambulance Trust. As part of this course, the trainer gave a demonstration of a Defibrillator.

This is a device that administers an electric shock to a Heart Attack victim. He explained how they can and do save lives because the first couple of minutes are vital in saving someone's life and you do not have to be an expert in order to use one. They have a small inbuilt computer that will not let someone receive a shock if they do not need one. He also explained that they were springing up in villages across the region

This sprung Bob into action and he began a campaign to have one installed in Corton, Suffolk. Firstly it had to be passed by the Parish Council of which Bob is a member. The chosen device is from Community Heartbeat who also keep a record of the maintenance checks and carry out any required maintenance.

Funds in the £2000 region had to be raised and with the help of County and District Councillors Keith Patience and Janet Craig, Waterside Bar and Restaurant, Tingdene, The White Horse Public House, Corton The Act (The local Am/Dram society) and Kieren Rice who along with Bob, performed at some fund raising events, the total was soon reached and the Defibrillator was soon on it's way.

There was also one other kind act of generosity and that was from Anglia Electrical and Security Ltd who fitted it for us. Bob say's "From the bottom of my heart, I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who made this happen. We hope it never gets used because that would mean that no one has had a heart attack but, if it saves just one life, it would be worth every penny spent."

The Defibrillator is mounted on the Village hall by the public phone box in The Street close to Tingdene Waterside. 

Although you do not have to be trained in order to use this, there will be an Awareness Session run by Community Heartbeat on the 20th July at 7pm at the Waterside Bar and Grill. This will be the upstairs bar,  and there is a lift available for anyone who struggles with stairs.

The photo which was taken by Alan Rice , shows the Defibrillator on the Village Hall wall with (from left to right)

Steve Pavey- Chairman of Corton Parish Council, Karl Shipp- Anglia Electrical and Security Ltd, Keith Patience- County and District Councillor, Alexa Wylie- Tingdene, Bob Groome- Corton Parish Council, Bev Cooper- The White Horse Public House and Janet Craig- County and District Councillor