A JUNIOR football team in Runcorn has received a new defibrillator, thanks to the town’s gas network operator.

The life-saving kit, donated by Cadent, is now on-hand and pitch-side at Beechwood Junior Football Club for any player, coach, official, spectator or member of the public.

Denmark footballer Christian Eriksen having a heart attack on the pitch during a Euro 2020 match last year stunned the world.

It made the issue of availability of defibrillators at amateur sports clubs and venues a major talking point.

One of Cadent’s emergency engineers, Martin Daly, coaches two of Beechwood JFC’s 22 teams.

After asking the question, the company made funds available to help purchase one.

Martin said: “Of course, we hope we’ll never be in a situation where we’ll need to use it, but knowing it’s there is a huge thing, potentially lifesaving.

“I’m really grateful to Cadent, particularly Phil Hendrick and Stu Millett for their support.”

Phil Hendrick, customer operations area manager for Cadent, said: “When Martin asked, I did have some money available and I could think of no better way to use it than to help our local community in what may end up being a lifesaving way.”

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time. The following steps give someone the best chance of survival. If you come across someone in cardiac arrest:

  1. Call 999
  2. Start CPR
  3. Ask someone to bring a defibrillator if there’s one nearby (if no one is available to get one, listen to the emergency operator for further instructions)
  4. Turn on the defibrillator and follow its instructions

 

This short film by St John Ambulance explains how to use one.