Roseland Defibrillators Need You!

The Roseland is a gorgeous place to live with a friendly and caring community, and I feel very lucky to be able to make my home here. It does, however, have its drawbacks. Our geography can make it isolated particularly in time of need. When there is a medical emergency like a cardiac arrest, help can feel a very long way away.

Cardiac Arrest can strike anyone, any time, anywhere. It can come out of nowhere, with or without previous history of Cardiac problems. It can also be the result of trauma, drowning, choking and many other situations. Whatever the cause, early CPR and the use of a defibrillator improve the chances of a good outcome. We are very lucky to have a network of local First Responders who can attend quickly while the ambulance is still on its way. We can also help by learning how to do CPR to keep things going until help arrives.

Another resource that we have is the 30+ defibrillators. These were installed as a result of fundraising by local communities and the RSPG (Roseland Surgeries Patients Group). They have been a vital asset for local communities and have saved lives in the area.

The problem is that many of them were put in ten years ago and they are starting to fail. Unless they are replaced then this lifesaving network will start to shrink. Of the 33 defibrillators which are administered by RSPG, 18 are either 9 or 10 years old. Two have failed and the others may expire at any time.

Please can you help us to raise funds for the replacement of these lifesaving machines?

You can do this in several different ways:-

• Your local community may already be fundraising for this and would welcome your support.

• You could sponsor part of a machine.

• You can donate directly to RSPG.

For more details and how you could help with this appeal, please contact Kate via the Roseland Surgeries.

However you do it, please support this. Times are hard and money tight, but these machines are literally lifesavers and we cannot afford to lose them.