Community Defibrillator for Tichborne

Tichborne Parish Council has installed a community defibrillator in the village for use by the public on victims of sudden cardiac arrest (heart attacks). This device is accessible 24 hours a day. A defibrillator is a portable machine that automatically sends an electric shock to the heart muscle to return it to its normal rhythm

IMPORTANT: In the event of an emergency dial 999 and ask for an ambulance before you do anything else. The operator will confirm the location of the nearest defibrillator and give you the number code to unlock the door of the defibrillator cabinet and access the equipment.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE TRAINED TO USE THIS EQUIPMENT - THE DEVICE WILL TALK YOU THROUGH WHAT YOU NEED TO DO. REMEMBER TO DIAL 999 FIRST.

Where can I find the defibrillator? The device is located at the Tichborne Arms. We have been able to place the device here by kind permission of Mr Patrick Roper and the Trustees of the Tichborne Estate.

What is a defibrillator? A defibrillator is a potentially life-saving device which delivers an electrical current that shocks the heart back into a normal rhythm following a sudden cardiac arrest. They are safe and easy to use. The units cost up to £2,000 each and are wall-mounted in a bright green metal box.

Why have a defibrillator? The device has been installed by the Parish Council amid concerns that ambulance response times for rural locations like Tichborne can be lengthy. The Parish Council responded to community requests to provide a defibrillator at the heart of the village.

Who paid for it? The defibrillator cost just under £2,000 to supply and fit. This was funded by a contribution of £1,000 from the Boomtown Community Fund with the balance of £965 paid for by the Parish Council. The Parish Council’s contribution was paid out of the Parish Precept (an apportionment of Council Tax).

Who will pay for it in future? The Parish Council has taken on responsibility for the ongoing costs of maintenance and replacement of the unit. This will be paid for from the Parish Council’s general reserve. It is proposed that a ring-fenced fund be set up that will also cover additional costs of replacement consumables etc. The Parish Council welcomes donations from residents and local businesses to help fund this vital service. If you would like to make a contribution please contact the Parish Clerk or any of your local Parish Councillors.