Cardiac Smart Awards Presentation.  29th May 2014.
   
The 4th Cardiac Smart awards presentation, run by the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, was held at Warrington Collegiate on Thursday, 29th May 2014.
 
What a lovely surprise that West Lancs Mark Master Masons Charities were invited to this event, and told that  we had won an award for supplying 21 defibrillators in the Masonic Halls in our Province, (all the Halls that did not have one fitted), and training some 450 Brethren at various defibrillator Familiarisation meetings around the Province. W.Bro. Michael Clarke,  (Chairman of W.L. Charities), together with W.Bro’s. David Fairclough (Prov. G. Almoner)and Eric Drinkwater (Special Representative), who was accompanied by Tegwen Drinkwater – who makes apologies for the photographs!
The ceremony was opened by Ms. Mary Whyman, MBE, Chairman of the N.W. Ambulance Service, with a response from Kevin Fitzpatrick, from the British Heart Foundation, and the awards were presented by Bob Williams, the Chief Executive of the N.W. Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
Imagine the surprise when it was announced that we had won a top Gold Award (See photo ref. ’announcement’). It was received with great pride.
 
The ceremony itself was very enlightening, and indeed humbling.  People from all walks of life receiving bronze, silver and gold awards, for their input into their community, and also for life saving efforts.
There were three people there who had collapsed in leisure centres, had the AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) used on them to re start their heart, and then had CPR from the Staff, until the emergency services arrived to take over.  If there had not been a defibrillator, the outcome would have been entirely different, and they would not have been there to present the award, or indeed to thank the Staff who brought them back. (Is there a message there to keep away from Gyms and exercise?)
There was also a 15 year old girl, who won an award.  She was walking in a village one day, when a lady collapsed in front of her.  Without a moments hesitation, she went and assessed the lady.  She realised she was struggling, and dialled the emergency services, and started CPR.  She was doing so well, that when the ambulance arrived, she was asked to go in the ambulance, and continue CPR.  When talking to her after, I asked if she had done a First Aid Course with Guides, or School.  She said she had not, but her Father had to go on a refresher course, and she was at a loose end, and went with him.  What a good job she did.
 
Millie’s Trust also won an award.  I don’t know if you know the story of Millie, but she was 20 months old, third day at a Nursery near Manchester, when she choked to death.  Her parents set up Millie’s Trust, and are petitioning for all Nursery helpers to have a basic knowledge of First Aid.  They are also going around to all Nurseries to teach the basics themselves.
The event ended with tea, coffee and biscuits, and everyone feeling a little humbled at how many people there are out there who are willing to help others.
 

(Words and Photos T. Drinkwater.)