A Pudsey Builders’ Merchant, Gibbs & Dandy, has gone the extra yard by raising funds for a much-needed defibrillator to service the local community of Stanningley.
Paul Hawksworth, who works as a Yard Assistant at Gibbs & Dandy Pudsey, worked with a number of local businesses to raise the funds required to install and maintain three defibrillators at Richardshaw Lane, Grangefield Industrial Estate and at the Pudsey branch.
Paul, who is qualified in first aid, became passionate about the project after his friend and colleague suffered from a cardiac arrest. With over 100,000 people dying of cardiac arrest in the UK each year, Paul’s mission is to ensure the community is equipped with an elite lifesaving device ready for use in emergency situations.
The defibrillator, which delivers a high-energy shock, is essential to restoring a stable heart rhythm and can boost chances of survival during cardiac arrest.
Discussing the installation, Paul said: “I am extremely thankful for all the donations that have led to the installation and maintenance of the two new defibrillators – without them we couldn’t have these amazing pieces of equipment. We hope we never need to use the defibrillator but if someone falls ill, it’s vital that they receive help immediately. Every minute without CPR or defibrillation reduces a person’s chance of surviving a cardiac arrest by around 10%.”
Along with the fundraising drive, Paul also managed to organise a number of training sessions to boost confidence and familiarise local residents with the machines.
The defibrillator was installed free of charge by a local electrician and has now been officially registered with the local authorities.
