Learning how to save lives in Redditch (From Redditch Advertiser)

Learning how to save lives in Redditch

12:00pm Friday 15th February 2013 in Local

TWO Redditch parents have donated a life saving defibrillator to the town’s YMCA in memory of their daughter.

Robert Underwood and Margaret Prentice presented the equipment in memory of daughter Charlotte, who died from Sudden Arrythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) in 2010, aged 16.

Since her death, her parents have worked tirelessly to back cardiac charity SADS UK’s campaign to put lifesaving defibrillators into all schools.

So far 12 Redditch schools have already benefitted from their generosity, along with Redditch United and now the YMCA, where training for the defibrillator has just been given by West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS).

A defibrillator is the only piece of equipment that will restore the heart rhythm. If a person goes into cardiac arrest it is crucial that the person is administered a therapeutic shock delivered by the defibrillator as quickly as possible. This gives the person the best chance of survival.

The charity SADS UK supports research into SADS and cardiac equipment in the community to help save lives.

Members of SADS UK, and Redditch Heart Safe, run by Robert Underwood and Maggie Prentice, also held the first of a series of free first aid training courses, run by Redditch First Responders, who taught members of the public basic first aid and CPR at Batchley Community Centre.

Redditch First Responders is a team of everyday people who volunteer on behalf of WMAS.

A spokesman said: “We had a fantastic response. It was great for us to have an opportunity to help teach basic life saving skills within the community.”

Mr Underwood said: “Saturday morning was one of the happiest times of our lives, seeing so many Redditch people turn up to learn life saving skills.”

He thanked Redditch First Responders and WMAS, along with town MP Lumley and Councillor Pattie Hill, for all the support they have given.

A poll has been set up on Redditch Heart Safe’s facebook page asking people at which school they think the next defibrillator should be installed. To have a say, visit www.facebook.com/RedditchHeartSafe

For more information about SADS UK, or getting a defibrillator installed in the community, call Anne Jolly, from SADS UK, on 01277 811215, email info@sadsuk.org or see www.sadsuk.org.