Joint Approach to Save Lives

Cheshire Police and the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust have begun a new joint venture to save lives.

Four defibrillators, donated by the ambulance service, are now being carried in cars use by the police armed response unit.

Constable Andrew Connor, from the unit, said, "One of our vehicles may often be the first to arrive at emergency incidents, whether they result from crime or from a road traffic collision. Because of this our cars carry a full medical pack, including oxygen, bandages, treatment for burns, and neck braces.

"We are trained to act as medical first responders and all operational police officers in Cheshire know how to use a defibrillator. This equipment adds a whole new dimension to what we are able to do.

Rob Sharples, Community Resuscitation Officer with the ambulance trust said, "We′re delighted that Cheshire Armed Response Unit is on board with our initiative to have Automated External Defibrillators available where there could be an increased risk of cardiac arrest. When an individual goes into cardiac arrest, the first few minutes are vital and quick intervention is needed to increase chances of survival.

"These machines are simple to use and will be located in vehicles. They give verbal instructions and tell the operator where to place patches on the patient′s chest. They read the patient′s heart rate and, only if needed, they will deliver a shock to re-start the heart."

Margaret Ollerenshaw, Chairman of Cheshire Police Authority said, "In the case of heart attacks or serious injury the defibrillators could easily make the difference between life and death for someone. This is a great example of partnership working between two emergency services."