Calderdale stations get defibrillators
Northern Rail has introduced lifesaving defibrillators at railway stations across Calderdale thanks to a successful partnership with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS). Northern has recently installed defibrillator sets at Halifax, Sowerby Bridge and Hebden Bridge stations and 10 other locations around the north.
As the number of community Public Access Defibrillators (cPAD) available in public spaces increases, Northern is aiming to offer the same peace of mind at some of its busiest stations across Yorkshire.
The cPADs, are simple and safe to use, with the machine giving clear spoken instructions, and no training is required to use one. The defibrillator will detect the heart’s rhythm and will only deliver a shock if one is needed.
Natalie Loughborough, customer service director for Northern, said: “This piece of equipment is worth its weight in gold and countless lives have been saved by cPADs in public spaces. Last year one of our cPADs was used by a member of our team to help save the life of a customer, which is fantastic.” Emma Scott, community defibrillation officer at YAS, said: “We know that in many medical emergencies the first few minutes are critical and if effective treatment can be performed, lives can be saved and disability reduced. “The importance of the Chain of Survival, including early recognition, calling 999, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation, cannot be underestimated. “Having easy access to a community Public Access Defibrillator (cPAD) means that immediate life-saving care can be provided.”