VIDEO: Shocking tactics to save lives

Staff at a lower school have been learning how to save a life.

The employees of Roecroft Lower School in Stotfold learnt how to use a defibrillator during their inset day today (Monday).

The machine was donated by Barrie and Brenda Irons of Stotfold. Since their 13-year-old son died as a result of a heart condition they have been working alongside cardiac charity, SADS UK, to make defibrillators readily available in the area.

This was their 21st donation.

Staff were trained by the East of England Ambulance Service.

The school will now be able to use the defibrillator if somebody’s heart stops. This will increase their chance of survival from five per cent to 50 per cent so it is well worth having.

Lindsey Coldwell, senior commercial training officer from the East of England Ambulance Service, said: “Defibrillators are vital in over 70 per cent of cardiac arrests along with excellent CPR.

“The East of England Ambulance Service supports SADS UK and their efforts to provide automated external defibrillators in the community.

“They are simple and safe to use. They are our friend in a crisis.”