Cllr Kevin Foster

Coventry City Council has purchased 15 Automated External Defibrillator (AED) devices to help those who may suffer a sudden heart attack at a number of sites either owned or run by the Council.

The new life saving equipment is part of a wider campaign involving a number of national, regional and local organisations including the British Heart Foundation, West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust and the Derek Higgs Start a Heart Appeal, who are aiming to get 50 new defibrillators placed across Coventry.

Cllr Kevin Foster, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council, said: "Three years ago I got the news everyone dreads when told that a close relative, my Uncle Mike, had died of a sudden heart attack whilst on his way to work. I can recall the impact this had on my family and this is an experience shared by too many families across Coventry each year."

"This equipment may have cost the Council several thousands of pounds, but the value of it cannot be underestimated. If this scheme saves one local family from the experience mine had to go through, it will be worth it."

Official figures show that Coronary Heart Disease was the single biggest cause of death in 2009/10. If defibrillation occurs within three minutes of a sudden heart attack the chances of survival are increased by 70%. Staff who work at the sites have been trained in how to use the equipment being bought by the City Council ensuring vital help can be given even before the Emergency Services arrive.

Peter Knatchbull-Hugessen, representing the Derek Higgs Start a Heart Appeal, said: "We set ourselves a target of 50 defibrillators, now the Council has come on board we have only a few more to go to make Coventry the first city in the country to have an adequate level of cover."

Angie White, Manager of Coventry City Council's Occupational Health and Counselling Service explained: "The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a computerised medical device that can check a person's heart rhythm. It can recognise a rhythm that requires a shock and can advise the operator when a shock is needed. The AED uses voice prompts, lights and text messages to tell the rescuer the steps to take.

AEDs are very accurate and easy to use. With a few hours of training, anyone can learn to operate an AED safely. The user attaches the pads and follows the prompts. The units require no decision making or interpretation of symptoms."

The 15 new locations include: Bell Green Community Centre, Brandon Wood Farm/Golf Course, Allesley Hall Park/Golf Course, and the War Memorial Park. The 15 buildings/locations have been selected with the support of the West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) and are aimed at ensuring help is at hand in some of the most visited places that are owned by the Council.