Shockingly simple life-saverdonated to Bexhill Academy

Receiving the defibrillator on behalf of the Academy, Tracey Holden, of the Supporters of Bexhill Academy, says they are delighted that they now have the unit. “It is available not only to support 1,500 students and staff during school hours, but also the ever increasing numbers of people who attend sports, theatre and other events out of hours,” she said.

Defibrillators work by delivering a therapeutic dose of electrical current to the heart. No training is needed to use one. They are simple and safe, and gives clear spoken instructions. Defibrillators detect the heart’s rhythm. It won’t deliver a shock unless one is needed.

Mike Dean, Bexhill Community First Responders (BCFR) says recent TV programmes highlighted the need for a defibrillator to be readily available on school premises due to the number of teenagers that die each year due to undiagnosed heart issues. “The units are simple to use and save lives,” he said.

Trudy Hillman, Student Guidance Manager says the defibrillator is located in a prime area, readily available in the reception and the academy will ensure that everybody knows where it is. “In addition staff will receive training from Mike Dean, which they can pass on to others emphasising the safe and ease of use,” she said.

Co-presenting the defibrillator to Bexhill Academy, Lion President Paul Fleming said it is known that the survival rate from sudden cardiac arrest is directly linked to defibrillation, adding: “Applying a controlled shock within 5 minutes of collapse provides the best chance of survival.

“We are therefore very pleased to be partners with the Supporters of Bexhill Academy in providing this equipment. As we said at our recent awareness day, they are shockingly simple to use.”

For Supporters of Bexhill Academy visit: www.bexhillacademy.org/parents/parent-participation. Information on Bexhill Lions Club: www.bexhill-lions.org or call Lion Rick 0845 833 9591. BCFR 07557 439363 or visit: www.bexhillresponders.co.uk..