DDC's community team were handed the defibrillator by Hopkins TAS Ltd
Dover District Council’s Community Roots van has been fitted with a life-saving defibrillator thanks to Kent-based Hopkins TAS Ltd.
The organisation, which specialises in defibrillator support, kindly donated the equipment and responder kit to the council. DDC staff were also given training in Basic Life Support (BLS) and the safe use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
The Community Roots van brings DDC services out into communities across the district each week and is also used at major events including town carnivals and the Christmas extravaganza in Dover.
The addition of a defibrillator to the van has added a vital tool in the crucial minutes during a medical emergency while awaiting a first aid provider.
Defibrillators can increase a person’s chance of survival from cardiac arrest from around 5% to between 50% and 70%. Training is not required, although the odds of survival increase if the person using the equipment has been trained.
Last month, a defibrillator was installed outside the cafe at Kearsney Abbey and in 2023 one was installed in Dover Museum.
Cllr Charlotte Zosseder, DDC's cabinet member for community, said: “The Community Roots van is frequently out in our communities therefore this onboard defibrillator brings life-saving equipment within reach of thousands of residents.
“A big thanks goes to Hopkins TAS Ltd for their kind donation as well as training the community team so in the unfortunate event of a medical incident they are ready to jump into action while awaiting a first aid provider and emergency services.”
Ken Hopkins, from Hopkins TAS Ltd, said: “We’re thrilled to announce the donation, but this isn’t just about equipment, it’s about saving lives.
“As part of our ongoing commitment and through the AED aftercare solution, we’ve taken an extra step.
“DDC’s community team now stands armed with knowledge which is vitally important, because when every second counts, competence matters.”
Posted on 05 March 2024