A paramedic who set out to install a single defibrillator in Evesham has now placed a total of 30 units.
Kerry Wood, who lives in Evesham, initially took to Facebook to raise funds for the first one whilst undertaking her paramedic science degree. This led to the town council donating an AED which was installed on the front of her house.
Kerry, who works for West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) went on to win a ‘Love Evesham Award’ which inspired her to try and raise funds for a second device.
As things snowballed, Kerry realised she needed a team around her and Evesham Defibrillators, which now has five members – Kerry, Karen Stephens, Donna Atkin, Kerry Yeates and Lynda Williams – was born.
Fast forward 12 months and the team installed its 30th defibrillator on the Evesham Freemasons Hall in Swan Lane on January 17.
Kerry said: “We have been so successful that now, we are seeking advice and support from Rotary in the Vale who have kindly offered to mentor and help us achieve charity status.
“This will bring in more funds and more defibrillators, which will help our aim of providing our community with a defibrillator within 500 metres of their home at least.
“We have held two fund-raising events so far and share details of any local CPR and defibrillator training on our Facebook page, encouraging people to attend.
“I must just say a huge thank you to the team of three electricians who all work for us for free to install the defibrillators.
“Tom Bates from TDB Electrical Services LTD, Bert Diamond from Diamond Electrical Installations and Darren Hancocks from DMH Electrical and Security Specialists are all amazing people and have invested in our team, without them none of this would be as successful as it is.”
All the AED devices are available 24 hours a day and are registered on the national defibrillator database. The lifesaving pieces of equipment are used to shock someone’s heart back into rhythm if they suffer a cardiac arrest.
Nine people have benefited from their use in Evesham since they have been installed.
Visit the Evesham Defibrillators Facebook page for more information.
