SNG installs lifesaving community defibrillator in Hertford
20 February 2024
Residents in Hornsmill in Hertford, now have access to a lifesaving defibrillator installed by SNG which was officially unveiled by at a special ceremony on Friday 16 February.
The Mayor of Hertford, Cllr Vicky Smith, did the honours of cutting the ribbon and officially unveiling the new device at The Dell older persons complex. She was joined by local residents along with guests from SNG and Cllr Rachel Carter from Hertford Town Council and East Herts Council for the official launch. Contractor partners MCP helped to install the equipment for free on SNG’s behalf.
Defibrillators give a high energy electric shock to restart the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest. The idea to install one came from SNG customer and The Dell resident Clive Williams with funding secured from the British Heart Foundation. Clive and SNG Scheme Manager Patricia Cowley will take on the essential role of checking the device every week. They will also be alerted to check and reinstate the defibrillator after use, so that it is once again ready on the 999-emergency service database.
Patricia Cowley, SNG Scheme Manager said: "This lifesaving defibrillator could make all the difference if someone in the local community is unfortunate enough to suffer from a cardiac arrest. We’re really grateful to the British Heart Foundation for providing the funding for the equipment and contractor partners MCP for installing it for us at no cost."
The defibrillator can be found on the porch of 37 The Dell which is located off Cecil Road. There is parking near to the device.
How to use the defibrillator
The British Heart Foundation advises that if you see someone having a cardiac arrest, call 999, start CPR and get someone to find a defibrillator. If you're on your own, don't interrupt CPR to go and find a defibrillator.
Anyone can use a defibrillator and you don’t need training. Once you turn it on by just opening it, it will give clear verbal instructions on what to do. The device checks the heart rhythm and will only tell you to shock if it’s needed. You can't shock someone accidentally.
In any emergency, always call 999 and, if appropriate, they can direct you to the nearest defibrillator with the code to unlock it.
