PENNINES:
Karen is 1,000th life saver after training
HOLLINGWORTH Lake has its own life saver, after a project reached a special milestone.
Karen Clewer, information worker at the Visitor Centre, is the 1,000th person to be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), through the #RochDefibs scheme.
The project, run by Rochdale Council’s public health team and North West Ambulance Service, was launched in November 2015 to teach residents what to do if someone suffers a cardiac arrest. Karen said: “The training was brilliant and I think everybody should have a go. It’s really worthwhile.”
The project has seen 32 defibrillators donated to community venues and those taking part in the training learn how to identify cardiac arrest, how to perform chest compressions and give breaths and how to use the devices.
Coun Janet Emsley, cabinet member for health, said: “We are really proud that we have trained so many of our residents how to react in the event of a cardiac arrest and I hope that this fantastic work will continue in making our borough a safer place to live. Knowing how to react quickly and calmly in an emergency is really important and that is why this training is so vital.”
Sara Harris, of NWAS, added: “This work is extremely important because it helps residents overcome any fears they might have, so they can confidently do all they can to help save a person’s life.”
For more information, visit rochdale.gov.uk/ defibs.