Community eats their way to new defibrillator

Kingswear’s popular Manna from Devon Cooking School was buzzing on the evening of Thursday 25th September. Co-owners Holly and David Jones hosted a charity pop up supper at the cooking school to raise money to help equip the village with a community defibrillator. The well-attended event raised an impressive £600 to go towards this.

This fundraising initiative has been set up by two Kingswear residents, Catriona Bratten and Emma Jones. Commenting on the evening, Catriona said: “We are delighted with the amount raised. There was a fantastic turn out and everyone enjoyed delicious food in a really lovely atmosphere.” Catriona continued: “The cause is very close to our hearts as this fundraising follows a recent incident where a close friend had a sudden cardiac arrest during the night and was only saved because her husband was trained and able to do CPR prior to emergency services arriving. The money we raise will not only go towards a defibrillator but will also help raise awareness of how to cope in such a situation and provide support training.”

Commenting on behalf of Manna from Devon Cooking School, Holly Jones says: “The energy and commitment shown by Catriona and Emma to raise funds for this can only be admired. It will be such a benefit for all the residents of Kingswear to have this facility. It’s been an absolute pleasure helping in a small way to support such a fantastic community project.”

When 999 is called to be notified of a cardiac arrest the operator will always ask if an AED (defibrillator) is available, which can obviously help in these situations to improve survival rates. The statistics are not good. Following a Cardiac Arrest the chance of survival decreases by 23% per minute. It is, therefore, very important medical treatment starts as soon as possible. The UK Resuscitation Council suggests an AED should be available wherever medical treatment is more than five minutes away. Survival rates with CPR alone are 5% and are hugely increased to 50% with defibrillation.

In order to gain the greatest advice and support for this activity, Catriona and Emma have engaged with the Community Heartbeat Trust who gives help to communities setting up an AED. They have also made contact with the South West Ambulance Trust who has assisted with the understanding of the process that follows in cases of emergency.

Further fundraising activity is taking place and all donations are gratefully received. For further information or to place a donation please contact Catriona Bratten (Tel 01803 752 426) or email kingsweardefib@gmail.com.