Ormskirk De-fib training
   
The penultimate training session on the wonderful de-fib machines, donated by the Mark Province of West Lancs, took place last night at Ormskirk.  As it happens, this was a fraudulent claim!  Mark did not donate the one at this particular Hall - the Group did, but we still organised this training session as part of the overall programme. The session was really well attended, with over 40 people attending, including some of the staff from the Hall.  Tea and coffee were provided free of charge, and for the first time, we had home-made scones - thanks to the Hall for these.
Brian Molyneux and Michael Clarke
Steve Brereton with Michael Clarke
Steve Brereton, Vice Chairman of the Group had done a great job in drumming up support for the session, and Michael Clarke represented the Mark Degree, addressing the attending crowd, and introducing Sue Murrin-Bailey from the Lancashire defibrillator campaign, who help fund these machines in public places, and work with the NHS training staff to help get the message out to the public, and most importantly to schools. We soon will have a whole new generation confident in the use of these life-saving machines.  Ormskirk is very well covered with de-fib machines, and a lot more people will have the confidence to use them after last night.
Fred Hargreaves in support!
Michael welcomes Sue Murrin-Bailey
The machine really does lead you through the whole process, and tells you what to do.                     Sue reminded us all about the important points - principally that survival rates if shocked within 2 minutes are 75 to 90%.  Without CPR and a de-fib machine, the chances of survival drop by 10% per minute......with ambulances targeting a response time of 8 minutes, 80 % of your chances are already gone......
Michael addresses a packed hall
Sue also reminded us of the Doctor's ABC   -  or  -  DRSABC
 
 
D             -              Danger - don't become a casualty yourself, look for danger
  
     
  R             -              Response - does the victim respond to gentle shaking and your voice?  
     
  S              -              Shout for help and the nearest de-fib - send someone whilst CPR starts  
     
  A             -              Airway - open it by tilting the head back  
     
  B             -              Breathing - are they breathing normally?  Not in a groaning or abnormal way  
     
  C             -              CPR - start compressions, Send someone to call for an ambulance,  
 
and state that the victim is not responsive or breathing.
 
 
Then just open the de-fib and follow the instructions!  All these machines will lead you through the placement of the pads, continued CPR, and when to step back if it senses a shock is needed - you can't hurt someone who does not need a shock. The machine is really intended to help anyone through the process, even without training - a wonder of modern science.
Sue trains a packed room
Then continue following the machine until the ambulance crew arrives, or the patient recovers and becomes responsive and is breathing more normally. Leave the pads in position - the patient could deteriorate again. 
Will she save this one?
Don't ever forget that this person, who is not breathing, and is unresponsive, without your help, is already dead. You really can make the difference if you just have a try.....and this person could be your wife, brother, even your child. Or it could be you..........
Michael steps in, and presses the button!
The more of us who are aware of what to do in these dire circumstances, the better - so please take full advantage of the last remaining session, at Urmston on the 30th of March. It starts at 6.30, and the Mark Degree has not only provided the de-fibrillators, but also provides free tea, coffee & biscuits - but not always scones - thank you Ormskirk!      Are you listening Urmston? - a full buffet with champagne would be nice.......... 
60,000 people per annum suffer cardiac arrests in the UK - will you spare an hour or so to make sure you can help if needed?  I urge you to do so.
Steve, Sue & Michael with Martin Howell, Group Treasurer
Words and pictures by Giles Berkley