Sir Bobby welcomes spa’s life-saving boost (From Knutsford Guardian)

Sir Bobby Charlton welcomes spa’s life-saving boost

3:00pm Friday 26th October 2012 in News By James Wilson

A SPORTING legend has helped unveil the latest defibrillator installed by a residents association.

Following an awareness drive from the Knutsford Community First Responder Trust, Mere Residents Association has chosen The Mere Golf Resort and Spa to host its new defibrillator machine.

Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton was on hand on Wednesday, October 17, to see the association present the machine for the benefit of guests at the resort and Mere residents.

Eight team members at The Mere have been trained by the trust in basic life support skills, including CPR and use of a defibrillator, as well as members of the local community, in a bid to reduce the risk of a life being lost through cardiac arrest.

Survival rates for cardiac arrests which take place out of a hospital are only six per cent.

However with the use of a defibrillator machine survival rates increase to 74 per cent.

Pauline Bett, one of the Knutsford Community First Responder team, said: “We are working hard to ensure people know what to do when you recognise someone has suffered cardiac arrest.

“The first thing to do is dial 999, then start CPR.

“However, if you can apply a defibrillator within minutes of the patient collapsing, survival rates increase dramatically.

“This is a great initiative, and I’m delighted to see The Mere working with the local community to ensure people will have easy access to a defibrillator.”

Sir Bobby said: “Now that the technology is available, I’m looking forward to seeing defibrillators being more commonplace in the community.”

Mark Boler, the owner of The Mere Golf Resort and Spa, said: “Although The Mere is only a few minutes out of Knutsford, every second is critical if you’re suffering cardiac arrest.

“Our central position in the community means we are well placed to help local residents benefit from fast access to a defibrillator machine, as well as any of our guests.

“Whenever possible, we will help to get the defibrillator machine directly to any local residents to help them in an emergency situation.”

Mere resident Linda Reynolds said: “Since being trained to use the defibrillator machine, I am now confident to help someone in this situation.

“I know that I cannot do any harm to the patient and could actually be saving their life.”

If you would like more information visit knutsfordfirst responders.org.uk.