Scheme helps youth football club aquire defibrillators
YOUTH football club CSA 07 FC, based in Newbury, has purchased two defibrillators through a Football Association (FA) scheme.
The defibrillators – devices that give a high energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest – were bought from Farnborough-based WEL Medical Limited to be used in training sessions and home matches.
The first defibrillator was in place when the club returned to its normal schedule of events in April.
Its second was taken on in April, funded by a grant from the St James’s Place Foundation, secured by club trustee Simon Tang.
CSA 07 was awarded a discount on the cost of both defibrillators through the FA’s Heart Safe scheme.
This scheme was established to allow as many footballing bodies as possible to get defibrillators on their premises, with the FA noting that 90 per cent of sudden cardiac deaths in young athletes occur during or immediately after exercise.
For every minute lost without defibrillation, a sportsman or woman’s chances of surviving this condition drop by 10 per cent.
Mr Tang said: “The benefits of using a defibrillator quickly in the event of a cardiac arrest are very clear.
“I am really pleased that the St James’s Place Foundation has been able to support CSA 07 FC with the purchase of this vital piece of equipment.”
CSA 07 FC chairman Simon Alston said: “I am very happy that our football club has made the investment in these two defibrillators.
“The incident with the Denmark player Christian Eriksen in Euro 2020 highlighted how important it is to use a defibrillator quickly in the event of a cardiac arrest.
“I would also like to thank the St James’s Place Foundation for their generous donation.”