Recent research shows that your best chances of survival from a cardiac arrest is to receive a cardiac shock within three minutes. Every minute afterwards decreases your chance of survival by 10%. Across Tamworth and the surrounding villages there are around 70 defibrillator boxes for community responders to use. However, there can always be more, especially in Ventura Park, and so I have launched his ‘Defib-A-Day’ campaign over August 2019 to highlight a number of defibrillator sites every single day, raising awareness to local residents.
The campaign is in partnership with ‘Tamworth Have A Heart’ run by Keith Dawson and chaired by our town Mayor Richard Kingstone. The MP’s August campaign aims to raise awareness and hopefully encourage more defib units across our towns and villages.
I recently met with Cardiac Risk in the Young and to see the effects of heart defects can have on young people got me thinking on how we can help support Tamworth’s population across all heart issues. It sadly brushes many peoples families and if we can continue to increase the number of defibrillator sites or urge more young people to get screened then I will work to do that. So every single day in August I will be highlighting different Defibrillator sites across our town and villages, in our papers, on my website and on my social media. I urge residents to share these so we all know where help can be found in the rare situations that it is required.
If you would like to get involved with Tamworth Have A Heart visit - www.tamworthhaveaheart.co.uk
If you are a young person wishing to be screened for heart health visit - www.c-r-y.org.uk/screening/
Defibrillators are easy to use and if you're unsure, when you call 999 and provide the details of the defib, the team will talk you through use.
Here's the defibrillators I'm highlighting
Day 1 Marmion House
Outside Marmion House - Lichfield Street
At the home of Tamworth Borough Council, the Marmion House AED has 24 Hour Public Access on the front left of the building. It has already saved 2 lives!
Day 2 Clifton Campville Village Hall
Our defib today is based at Clifton Campville Village Hall, located on the external wall with 24 hour access.
Based at the Village Hall, Church Street, Clifton Campville
Do you know how a defib works? Check out this great video from St John's Ambulance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFvL7wTFzl0
Day 3 - Tamworth Enterprise Centre
Today’s defib is located at Tamworth Enterprise Centre, on the left-hand side of the outside wall y the Taxi Rank and bus stop with 24hr access. Some know this building as the old Philip Dix Centre, it now houses tonnes of new and on the rise local businesses, offers meeting rooms, shared space and mailboxes for any local entrepreneur.
The Defib at the Tamworth Enterprise Centre, Corporation Street, Tamworth, near the Assembly Rooms.
Calling all business owners! Have your staff been trained in First Aid? Could your business install a defib? Studies show immediate delivery of CPR and an AED shock in under 3 minutes can bring survival rates up to 90%.
If you are a business looking to install a defib Tamworth Have a Heart can offer advice and support.
Day 4 - Edingale Village Hall
Day 4 of my Defib a Day campaign takes us back out into the rural areas of our constituency. This defib can be found at Edingale Village Hall, on the right hand side of the main entrance, with 24 hour access. Another AED can be found on Main Rd, Edingale, opposite the Black Horse.
Defib based at the village hall, Main Road, Edingale
The British Heart Foundation gives 4 steps you should take if someone is having a cardiac arrest:
1. Call 999
2. Start CPR
3. Ask someone to bring a defibrillator if there is one nearby
4. Turn the defibrillator on and follow the instructions
They are safe, easy to use and save lives.
Day 5 - Philip Howard Opticians
Day 5 of Defib a Day takes us back into the town centre, to Philip Howard in Tamworth. This defib is located on the front wall of the shop and is 24 hour access. This particular defib was kindly donated by Tamworth Lions.
Philip Howard Opticians on Market Street in Tamworth town centre, near to the Castle and Ankerside. There's usually a gorilla keeping watch...
For more information about local defibs in our constituency and beyond, visit Tamworth Have A Heart’s website www.haveahearttamworth.wordpress.com where they have a map of local defibs. If you have an onsite defib which isn’t marked on the map do let the team know!
Day 6 - Hints Village Hall
Whether you’re after a BBQ or a car show, Hints Village Hall has some wonderful events this summer!
They also have another lifesaving Public Access Defib on the front external wall, to the right of the main entrance.
The defib is outside the village hall in Hints, on School Lane
If you are interested in installing a public access defib in your community Tamworth Have A Heart can provide advice and support to get you on your way.
Day 7 - Tamworth Snowdome
Day 7 of Defib a Day and it’s one of the unique places that brings people from all over to visit Tamworth Snow Dome! They have staff trained in First Aid and a lifesaving AED, available during opening times inside the building.
The defib inside Tamworth Snowdome, Riverdrive, Tamworth
The building is open from 7am until 11pm for gym access, the attraction itself opens from 9am. So whether you're active in the gym or braving the ski slope the support is there if you need it.
Across the road Strykers bowling in NAMCO Funscape has a 24hr Access AED on the right hand side of the main entrance.
Day 8 - The White Lion, Harlaston
Day 8 of Defib of the Day takes us to the White Lion Pub in Harlaston which has some delicious seasonal food! And a public access defib on the outside wall, to the right of the restaurant.
The defib on the White Lion, Main Road, Harlaston
For people living in villages, the local pub is often the place to get together, meet neighbours and engage in community events, thankfully all the locals know where this particular defib is!
Day 9 - ASDA at Ventura Park
You can find almost anything in Ventura Retail Park, but do you know where to look for a lifesaving defib? ASDA’s is accessible during business hours located at the Customer Services Desk. Just walk in and turn left.
M&S also has one in customer services, and Bannatynes has one in their gym.
The Defib is inside Asda on Ventura Park Road, Tamworth
As part of Defib a Day I have written to businesses to encourage them to work with Tamworth Have A Heart to install a 24 hour public access defib on an exterior wall so shoppers can access equipment regardless of where they are shopping.
Day 10 - Quinney Hall, Canwell
Nestled just off Bassetts Pole Island, you may know Quinney Hall (Canwell) as a great venue for weddings, parties and dinners. Located on the left hand side of the entrance porch, this AED has 24hr access.
Defib at Quinney Hall, London Road, Sutton Coldfield
Why not also check out the Midlands’ largest Agricultural show, Canwell Show, today? It’s one day only, showcasing the very best local produce, stunning displays and fun for all the family! I attend almost every year and always have a great time.
Day 11 - Tamworth Cricket & Hockey Club
Still celebrating the historical England Cricket win a few weeks back, our Defib a Day is Tamworth Cricket and Hockey Club! This defib is located right of the entrance on the gate post this defib has 24hr access.
Tamworth Cricket Club defib, Hints Road, Hopwas
For more information about defibs in our constituency and how to acquire on in your community visit Tamworth Have A Heart’s website www.haveahearttamworth.wordpress.com.
Day 12 - Tamworth Railway Station
Day 12 and it’s a special day - Happy 180th Birthday to Tamworth Rail Station ? ?.
You’ll find the Defib here on the left side of the main entrance on the exterior wall.
The defib at Tamworth Railway Station, Victoria Road, Tamworth
It is accessible 24/7 and has been used in the past to help save lives. Staff are familiar with the device and so can be approached if in doubt. The team are also always happy to call for an ambulance if required.
Day 13 - Fazeley Town Hall
Day 13 of defib a day brings us to Fazeley Town Hall where the defibrillator was donated by Fazeley Pharmacy and Fazeley Town Council.
This defib is accessible 24/7 and can be found on the right hand corner of the hall, near to the car park.
The defib at Fazeley Town Hall just off the A4091
The defib can be used without any prior training but if in doubt, the operator on the end of your 999 call will walk you through use. You cannot shock anybody who does not require it, the machines prevent such a problem from occurring, so there's no need to fear - help where you can.
Also in the area there is a defib outside the Drayton Manor Cricket and Social Club.
Day 14 - Drayton Manor Theme Park
Families from far and wide love Drayton Manor Park. It’s their summer of fun – a great day out to enjoy some varied thrills and attractions from rollercoasters to Meerkats! It’s also one of the most Heart Safe places in Tamworth with 8 Defibs throughout the Park.
Interestingly some of the defibs have been used and have saved lives! Not just with the thrill seekers but with staff too. It is fantastic to know that mobile defibs are on site and can be deployed when needed, keeping people alive.
Day 15 - Tamworth Rugby Club
You’ll always get a warm welcome visiting Tamworth Rugby Club. Great atmosphere every match day and our Defib Of The Day!
This defib is in Wigginton Park at the Rugby Club
Supported by the wonderful Tamworth Have A Heart, this Defib can be found on the right hand side of the function room with 24hr access. Great to know the men and women toughing it out on the rugby fields will always have a defib at hand if required. Near to this the Coton Arms pub also has a defib available on hand
Day 16 - The Old Crown Pub, Wigginton
Day 16 of Defib A Day takes us to the Old Crown of Wigginton. The defib is 24 hours access. If you want to know more about what a defib is and what it does click here .
The defib is outside the pub, 120 Main Road, Wigginton
Tamworth Have A Heart provide free training and support on both CPR and AED’s: visit their website for more information at www.haveahearttamworth.wordpress.com.
Day 17 - Oceans of Tamworth
A community favourite for our fish & chips Oceans Of Tamworth not only offer responsibly sourced chippy dinners but they also have a defib. Great food, served with a smile.
The defib was sponsored by Cllr Tina Clements and is on the left hand side of their shop entrance. 24hr access!
Defib outside Oceans Tamworth at the Exley Centre
While it may seem odd to have a defib at a place where people buy fast food, this defib was placed with the public in mind. Cllr Clement's husband has faced heart problems and so she was only to happy to help fund a defib in her division.
Day 18 - Belgrave Sports and Social Club
Today’s Defib Of The Day is at Belgrave Sports & Social Club, located on the front left corner of the building with 24hr Access. If you want to support Tamworth Have a Heart and TAME Community First Responders be sure to sign up to their Charity Quiz night on the 27th September!
Belgrave Sports and Social Club defib, 301 Wilnecote Lane
Here's the event flyer for all interested in attending.
I hope to pull together a local Conservative team - so may see you there!
Day 19 - Wilnecote Railway Station
You probably rush past this every day on your work commute without noticing, however Day 19 brings us to Wilnecote Railway Station. Where the AED is located at the top of the steps leading to Platform 1 with 24hr Access.
Day 20 - Bolehall Manor Club
Today's defib takes us to Bolehall Manor Club which turned 80 this year! This is a brilliant local venue with a whole range of events and activities for residents.
Great to see an AED on the right hand side of the bar, access to this defib is restricted to opening times.
Day 21 - The Fox Inn Pub
Another defibrillator supported by Tamworth Have a Heart as well as County Councillor Michael Greatorex, who arranged funding for the defibrillator from the Staffordshire Local Community Fund.
Our Defib Of The Day is at The Fox Inn on the left hand side of the entrance with 24hr access.
Defib at the Fox Inn, High Street, Dosthill
Just a reminder if you missed my posts earlier this month, British Heart Foundation gives 4 steps you should take if someone is in cardiac arrest:
1. Call 999
2. Start CPR
3. Ask someone to bring a defibrillator if there is one nearby
4. Turn the defibrillator on and follow the instructions
They are safe, easy to use and save lives
Day 22 - St Peter's Church and Community Centre
St Peter's Church & Community Centre hosts some great community events and activities in Glascote, and is the location for Day 22. They had a fabulous float at the Tamworth Carnival too!
This defib was supported by Tamworth Have a Heart and is located just to the right of the entrance with 24hr access.
Day 23 - Tamworth Castle Grounds
Planning on spending time in the Castle Grounds this Bank Holiday weekend? Keep an eye out for the recently refurbished public toilets, complete with a Changing Places unit which includes features like a motorised sink to meet different height needs. Check out the picture shared by Borough Councillors Cllr Robert Pritchard and Cllr John Chesworth, Spital Ward for a sneak peak.
On the right hand side as you face the block you’ll also find our Defib of the Day (Day 23) so do familiarise yourself if you’re walking past!
Day 24 - Elford Village Hall
What a fantastic sunny bank holiday weekend! ☀️
With the Elford Scarecrow Festival held over this weekend it promises to be another crowd pleaser, with some terrific designs. A favourite of mine will always be the Boris Johnson on the zip line!
While there keep an eye out for our Bank Holiday Day 24 Defib of the Day at Elford Village Hall on the right side of the entrance and there is also a defib at Elford Hall Garden. Both are 24 hour access.
Day 25 - Anker Valley Sports Complex
Our second defib for the bank holiday - No.25 is at Anker Valley Sports Complex it can be found the office and available during opening hours
This is fantastic news for the many sports enthusiasts who visit of a weekend to play or watch the football games here.
Day 26 - Red Lion Hopwas
Day 26 of Defib a Day takes up back into the rural areas of our constituency. Red Lion Hopwas has a defib located on the right hand side of the main entrance with 24hr access.
Pubs feature heavily on our list as they are often the heart of the community, not only for those who want a drink but to attend local events and fundraisers. If your local is without do encourage them to get in touch with Tamworth Have a Heart for information and support in acquiring one.
Day 27 - Coop, Dosthill
Day 27 takes us back to Dosthill with our Defib of the Day at the Co-Op. This defib was installed with support from Tamworth Have a Heart, fundraising by the Dosthill Women's Institute, Tamworth Co-operative Food and a grant from the Staffordshire Local Community Fund arranged by County Councillor Michael Greatorex.
It’s terrific to see a community coming together to make sure this life saving equipment is available.
Day 28 - Local Schools
Day 28 of Defib a Day is dedicated to our young people. It’s a sad fact that sudden cardiac arrest can affect people of any age. In July (see photo) I met with Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and learned that every week, 12 young apparently healthy people die from an undiagnosed heart defect. Screening and AED access is vital to protect young lives so I am happy to see Birds Bush Primary School, The Rawlett School, Polesworth School and Two Rivers High and Primary Schools all have defibs available during opening hours.
Can’t spot your school on Tamworth Have a Heart’s map? Why not ask them about it? They may have one that isn’t known to the team yet.
Day 29 - Tamworth District Scouts
Today’s Defib a Day (Day 29) goes to Tamworth District Scouts. The Scouts are at the centre of our communities and I would certainly encourage anyone with children aged 6-18 to get involved.
This defib can be found inside the Scout Activity Centre in Glascote Heath during opening hours, seen here on Tamworth Have a Heart’s defib map which can be found on their website www.haveahearttamworth.com
Day 30 - Shenstone Village
I live in Shenstone so it is great to know a defib is on hand for my immediate neighbours and community.
This defib is outside the Shenstone Parish Council offices, so handy for anybody in the nearby shops.
Day 31 - Last Day
The FINAL day of my Defib-A-Day campaign.
It has been a fantastic to see residents getting stuck into the campaign along with me as we highlight where the defibs are across our town and villages. I have already had a number of people contact me to get a defib installed where they live/work!
Particular thanks go to Tamworth Have a Heart and The Mayor of Tamworth Richard Kingstone for supporting the campaign alongside me.
These machines save lives, so lets keep pushing to install more!
