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Phone Boxes converted to Defibrillator kiosks

Thursday, 25 May 2017

This is a joint news release from the Department of Health and Social Care, Rushen Emergency Ambulance, Craig's Heartstrong Foundation, and St John Ambulance Isle of Man

Telephone boxes in Patrick Village and Dalby have been converted to community public access defibrillator kiosks in what is a "first of its kind" for the Isle of Man.

The converted phone boxes now house a defibrillator within a special external vandal resistant cabinet which include a heater to keep the defibrillator at an optimal temperature and an internal light. Users can access the cabinet with a combination code which is available by dialling 999.

Geoff Gelling, Vice Chairman of Patrick Parish Commissioners, said:

'We have converted the phone boxes which will now provide access to life saving community defibrillators. This project would not have been possible without the assistance from various organisations both on and off Island. I would like to personally thank: Tracey Hellowell and Ravina Talbot who started the whole initiative; the communities of Dalby and Patrick; my colleagues at Patrick Parish Commissioners; Manx Utilities; HMG Paints Ltd in Manchester who supplied the paint for the kiosks free of charge; and FCX who picked it up and delivered it to the Isle of Man, again at no charge.

And finally Craig's Heartstrong Foundation who have donated the two defibrillators for the project.'

Paul Healey, Chairman of Craig's Heartstrong Foundation, said:

'We are delighted to have more public access defibrillators out in the community, especially in rural areas such as this. We thank the public for their continued fundraising which enables us to keep providing this equipment.'

Community Defibrillator Coordinator, David Scambler, said:

'The Ambulance Service is delighted to support such a worthwhile project, the defibrillator kiosks will be a valuable asset for the surrounding community.'

Sudden cardiac arrest can affect anyone at any time and having access to a defibrillator can increase a person's chance of survival by up to 70%. Without a defibrillator, each minute of delay to defibrillation reduces the probability of survival to hospital discharge by 10%. If anyone wishes to install similar equipment within their community the can email defibs@gov.im for more information.

Phone Boxes converted to Defibrillator kiosks

Photo: left to right Geoff Gelling, David Scambler, Paula Lunt and Paul Healey

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