MEMBERS of Vernon Park Veterans Bowling Club, in Stockport, have undertaken lifesaving defibrillator training in a bid to boost health and safety and honour a late member, who sadly passed away following a cardiac arrest at the club.
The session, delivered free of charge by leading care and support provider, National Care Group, enables the club and its members to provide a quick, emergency response to anyone at risk or suffering from a heart condition.
In total, nine captains of Vernon Park Veterans Bowling Club received the training, which alongside the purchase of a defibrillator will mean the club can provide its members with an extra level of medical assurance moving forward.
George Richards, secretary of Vernon Park Veterans Bowling Club, said: "Having lost a dear friend, I'm so proud of the club for not only purchasing but also learning how to use a defibrillator safely. We are incredibly grateful to the National Care Group team for providing such essential training and volunteering their time to do so. While we hope we never have to use the device, having the confidence and skills to know how is invaluable."
National Care Group operates the Affinity South service in Stockport, supporting vulnerable adults with a range of needs, and each of its colleagues is comprehensively trained in first aid.
Nicola Airey, learning and development manager for National Care Group, said: "Using a defibrillator can substantially increase the survival rate of a cardiac arrest, if used within the first five minutes. We were eager to share our skills with the members of the bowling club to ensure they were equipped to deal with a situation, if one arose again. The opportunity to train more people in our community to use this life saving equipment is immensely important, and we encourage other organisations to follow suit and get skilled up in the use of these devices."
For more information on Nation Care Group and the service it provides, visit https://nationalcaregroup.com/.