HELP is at hand for anyone suffering a cardiac arrest in Solihull town centre in the form of the first 24-hour public access defibrillator.
The life-saving device has been provided in partnership involving the Lions Club of Solihull, West Midlands Ambulance and FastAid, local volunteer Community First Responders.
The defibrillator – which has taken up residency outside Boots the Chemist – was officially unveiled by Solihull Mayor Mike Robinson.
Former Lion President Paul Jolly said he was delighted to finally see the cabinet and defibrillator up and ready for use after a two-year effort to find the right place.
“I began the search for a prime location as long ago as 2014 and kept on trying until eventually Boots the Chemist came up trumps,” he added.
“Solihull Lions has funded the cabinet which sees the permanent availability, day and night, of the defibrillator.
“What is so special is that this is the only such facility within the centre of Solihull.
“The motto of Lions International is ‘We Serve’ and we recognised how we could live up to that ideal in finding a site and providing the cabinet.
“Solihull Lions would also like to thank the team from Boots who have made this installation possible.”
Andy Jeynes, Community Response Manager from West Midlands Ambulance Service, which supplied the defibrillator, thanked the Lions and explained just how vital this equipment can be.
“If someone suffers a cardiac arrest or any life threatening event, time is critical.
“Now, if that happens within Solihull town centre, when someone dials 999 the Ambulance Service will give the unlock code to the box, enabling a defibrillator to be with the patient in minutes.
“Although modern defibrillators are easy and safe to use, we will of course stay on the telephone and provide full support.
“This is an ideal partnership for the people of Solihull.”
