Wembdon post office receives life-saving equipment (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Wembdon post office receives life-saving equipment

5:00pm Tuesday 12th February 2013 in News By Kirsty James

FIVE villages will benefit from life-saving equipment thanks to a Cannington councillor.

County Councillor John Edney, for Cannington Division, has used part of Somerset County Council's Health and Well Being budget to fund a scheme to install defibrillators in community locations.

The first Automated External Defibrillator (AED) will be available at Wembdon Stores post office, with more equipment on its way to Combwich, Fiddington, Stockland Bristol and Cannington.

He told the Mercury: “The Wembdon scheme is now up and running with the kind assistance of the post master, Norman Parsons.

“St John Ambulance has been extremely helpful and will be providing the machines, together with training sessions for users.”

John Cavanagh, South West regional director for St John Ambulance’s Commercial Training Division, said in many situations access to an AED can make a real difference.

He added: “Thanks to Cllr Edney and our expert trainers, people in the Wembdon area won’t have to be helpless and they might save the life of a family member, friend or neighbour.”

Details of further location points will be available when training and sites have been finalised.

Councillor Edney also allocated funds to Home Start (a parental support charity) and MIND (the mental health support group).

He added: “This is an extremely important use of the fund. I will be urging the County Council to repeat this scheme in the next financial year, as it has been so beneficial throughout the County.”