New defibrillator for Pelham Hall

This Defibrillator has been funded through Welsh Government via Save a Life Cymru and Welsh Ambulance Services to improve community access to defibrillators and boost out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates in Wales.  Improving access to strategically placed defibrillators on community buildings or sports grounds such as Pelham Village Hall will provide maximum benefit within the community.

The Defibrillator’s heated cabinet has been funded by Trellech United Community Council (TUCC).

The Pelham Hall Defibrillator is available 24/7/365 and is the third fully accessible unit in the Penallt parish joining the other two housed in old phone boxes (one outside Pentwyn Court just up from The Old Baptist Chapel in the main part of the village and the one between New Mills House and New Mills Farm, New Mills).

Every year in Wales, over 6,000 people will have a cardiac arrest in the community. This can happen to anyone at any age at any time. At least 80% will happen in the home but currently less than 5% will survive.

One major factor limiting the number of people who survive cardiac arrest is the ability to provide defibrillation within a critical time frame. The first few minutes after the onset of an abnormal heartbeat, called ventricular fibrillation is crucial. This period can, however, be extended if a bystander starts CPR, especially chest compressions.

Some villagers were trained last year to use the equipment, but these units are designed to be used by anyone with instructions on the units or with help from the 999 emergency services.  More training maybe available in the future, so please keep an eye out for sessions.

Jan Harrhy