Two potentially life-saving devices have been installed outside of a popular Sunderland pub.
An emergency control the Bleed kit and a defibrillator have this week been fitted to the entrance of the Jolly Potter pub on South Hylton’s Railway Terrace.
The installation of the devices follows a public campaign led by St Anne’s Labour candidate, Catherine Hunter, and local councillor Susan Watson, to ensure that the life-saving devices are easily accessible in the event of a medical emergency.
Working alongside the community and the owners of the Jolly Potter, Robbie and Ann Young, the pair have gone on to achieve their goals thanks to the support of charities Red Sky Foundation and the Conor Brown Trust.
Catherine said: “The defibrillator was originally purchased with funding secured by Susan and was located inside a local hairdresser ‘his and hers’ however residents were concerned that the kit wasn’t available 24/7.
“This gave us the idea to secure an external case and move the equipment into a more accessible location and is when we were introduced to Robbie and Ann who were fantastic and really happy to be involved.
“Almost each and every one of us knows someone who has sadly passed away or has suffered from heart conditions or a form of severe bleeding, which drives home just how important it is that such life-saving equipment is easily accessible within our communities.
“On average, a person dies every eight minutes in the UK from heart failure, so having such devices readily available in our communities and on our high streets could literally save lives. We can’t thank the two charities enough for their support.”
Public-use bleed control kits are aimed specifically at reducing blood loss before the arrival of the emergency services.
The Conor Brown Trust has raised over £10,000 to have 40 kits installed across the city, with the bleed kit at the Jolly Potter marking the charity’s 16th installation since February.
Both the defibrillator and bleed kit are linked to the Ambulance Service and, in the event of being needed, they direct the caller to the nearest mobile kit or fixed unit and give them the combination code to unlock the unit. The items inside the kits are designed for either restoring a normal heartbeat or stemming the flow of catastrophic bleeding and the caller will be guided on how to use the equipment.
Tanya Brown of the Conor Brown Trust, said: “It is really important that these “Emergency Control the Bleed” kits are available to the public and in communities.
“They are designed for all types of catastrophic bleeds, which can be vital in any emergency, and the difference between life and death.
“I do hope these kits are never needed, but if and when an accident or an act of violence occurs, it’s there to be used.
“I’m thankful to everyone who has supported us throughout this project.”
The defibrillator has been supplied by the Red Sky Foundation and was supported by a community chest grant from Sunderland City Council, secured by Cllr Watson.
Sergio Petrucci, founder of the Red Sky Foundation, said: “I’m delighted to help install another one of our life saving defibrillators. It really demonstrates the strong partnership we have with Sunderland City Council and its residents. This latest defibrillator amplifies our work to create a safer Sunderland.”