The Office of Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS, situated on 29 Madoc Street in Llandudno, have announced that they have undertaken a CPR and defibrillator training course provided by St. John’s Ambulance. CPR is an emergency first aid procedure that involves someone pressing up and down on a collapsed person’s chest. A defibrillator is a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest and are normally located in workplaces and public space so that anyone can use them.
Commenting on the training, Janet said:
“Cardiac arrests can happen to anyone, at any time. This training, provided to my staff on Madoc Street by St John’s Ambulance, ensures that a full and proper knowledge of lifesaving procedures is rooted right in the beating heart of Llandudno.
“Every year in Wales, over 6,000 people will have a sudden cardiac arrest in the community which is why our knowledge of these procedures should improve. This is especially true when one examines the data which suggests that, across the Betsi Cadwaladr region, around 75% of people who have a cardiac arrest do not receive CPR before medical help arrives.
“However, I’m keen to stress that defibrillator machines are simple and easy to use and you don't need any training to help save a life. There are clear instructions on how to attach the defibrillator pads, with the machine doing the work to assess the heart rhythm. It will only instruct you to deliver a shock if it’s needed.”
The updated training comes after Janet endorsed a campaign by the Awyr Las 'Keep the Beats' initiative which encourages residents to practice CPR in the safety of their own home, by using common household items such as balls, cushions and teddy bears.
Encouraging residents to practice, Janet said:
“We know that every second counts when someone is having a cardiac arrest. By regularly practicing our CPR method with a bear or ball, it will mean that we can all have the confidence to assist those in need. After all, in this type of stressful situation, any CPR is better than no CPR.”
