Defibrillator Information – Bovey Tracey

The town has seven defibrillators located at:

• The Dolphin Hotel
• Bovey Dental Practice
• Quality Dental Care
• The telephone box at the Town Hall
• The Scout Hall at Mill Marsh Park
• The Recreation Ground
• Wolleigh Golf Club

A cardiac arrest happens when someone’s heart stops pumping blood around their body. They will lose consciousness almost immediately and show no other signs of life, such as breathing or movement.

When someone suffers sudden cardiac arrest, prompt action by anyone nearby may offer their only chance of survival. An immediate 999 (or 112) call for an ambulance and starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately are essential. Most people who survive will have needed a shock from a defibrillator to correct a chaotic heart rhythm. Studies have shown that a shock given within 3 minutes of cardiac arrest provides the best chance of survival and every one minute of delay reduces that chance substantially by up to 10% per minute. In most situations ambulance services would be unable to reach the scene of a cardiac arrest and deliver a shock within 3 minutes.

Defibrillators are designed to be used by members of the public and are very effective at guiding the operator through the process of administering the shock. They are safe and easy to use and will not allow a shock to be given to a casualty who does not require one. Please do not be afraid to use one, you might save someone’s life!