Defibrillators Now in ng homes Main Office Locations

THE main offices of ng homes have been equipped with potentially lifesaving automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

An AED is a sophisticated, reliable and safe device that delivers electric shocks to a person in cardiac arrest.

It has been shown that when someone goes into cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces their chances of survival by 10%, so having these machines in ng homes’ offices could have potential life-saving benefits.

Tony Sweeney, Head of Organisational Development for ng homes said: “The welfare of our customers and staff is of paramount importance, so the decision to install this equipment was an easy one to make.”

The defibrillators incorporate the latest technology and anyone using the equipment is talked through each step of the process on how to use it.

In an emergency situation after the electrode pads are applied, the defibrillator evaluates the heart rhythm and, if a shockable rhythm is detected, delivers a shock without any responder assistance.

With staff already trained in First Aid present in all office locations the defibrillators provide that extra level of support for everyone should any life threatening incidents occur.

Chairperson of ng homes John Fury said: “Whilst we hope they are never required I am sure our customers and staff will find it comforting to know that defibrillators are available within our main office locations.”

A defibrillator will be situated in Ned Donaldson House in Springburn, Saracen House in Possilpark, the Concierge/Customer Contact Centre at Lenzie Terrace, Springburn and Hawthorn Very Sheltered Housing Complex in Hawthorn Street.

The Association’s current First-Aider training includes AED defibrillator training and in addition to this, staff will be undertaking specific training for this new equipment, which will then be rolled out to all relevant staff.

The Lifepak CR Plus defibrillators are fully automated and designed for indoor and outdoor use.

Amy Jardine of St Andrews First Aid/Medical Supplies who supplied the AED’s said: “Cardiac arrest can affect anyone at any age and defibrillation with good quality CPR is the only effective treatment for cardiac arrest. Its great that organisations like ng homes are thinking about the health and wellbeing of their customers and staff by installing defibrillators in their offices.”