In
October 1999, Alistair Price, a Henley resident and
member of the Court Leet, read an article in the
Daily Telegraph about the village of Queniborough
in Leicestershire. The residents had raised funds
to buy a defibrillator and many of them had been
trained to use it, so that even though the ambulance
service might take time to reach the village, the
response to a heart attack victim would be within
minutes via the villagers themselves. Because Henley
is in an ambulance “black spot” (it may
not possible to reach a victim within the necessary
8 minutes) he resolved to raise money for a machine
in Henley. He wrote to the Parish Council and the
High Bailiff of the Court Leet, who were very supportive.
Fundraising
began and by June 2000, a wonderful £10,000
had been raised. The first machine, costing £2,000
was given to the Medical Centre (and was used almost
immediately). Residents at Wootton Wawen formed a
group, raising their own funds, so that there are
now 3 defibrillators in the area. To date, collection
boxes in local shops and pubs have raised £1,500
and there have been many other generous donations.
Henley
Heartstart became operational on 7th January 2001
and since then responders have been called out 62
times. At the moment there are 11 dedicated trained
volunteers, who cover about 80% of hours in the month.
Our thanks are due to Warwickshire Ambulance Service,
who have generously given their time to train and
re-test our first responders in resuscitation techniques
and in the use of the defibrillator.
The
people of Henley have been so generous with their
donations of money, but it would be wonderful if
there were residents out there who would donate a
few hours of their time each month. If 10 more volunteers
could be found, we could return to the round the
clock cover and thus be in a position to help more
heart attack victims.
Many
thanks are due to Alistair, for his inspiration and
continuing involvement and also thanks and gratitude
to the first responders, who make themselves available
each month in case a fellow resident should need
their help.
Anyone
reading this report, who would like to find out
more and who may be interested in becoming a volunteer,
please contact Sara Butler (Co-ordinator) (01564)
792975 or Peter Crathorne (Chairman) on (01564)
795470.