Defibrillators
In 2015, Council carried out a public consultation to see how parishioners would feel about installing defibrillators in the historic K6 BT kiosks in the parish. Responses were almost entirely positive, but many parishioners suggested that more than one defibrillator was needed to serve the whole community. Councillors listened to this, and it was decided that the Parish Council would invest in defibrillators to be placed in South Zeal, South Tawton, Hillfield, Taw Green and East Week, using the BT phone kiosks in those areas. Following very generous donations towards the defibrillator project were made by parishioners and the Dartmoor Charity Speed Shear. Council also applied for a £5000 grant from the National Lottery Awards for All scheme. As a result, we were able to purchase all 5 defibrillators for the parish. All five defibrillators have now been fitted, and we are very grateful to all those who assisted in getting the installations done.
Training seminars have been held to instruct parishioners in the use of the defibrillators. Other seminars may be arranged in the future; if you are interested in attending one then please let the clerk now on clerk@southtawtonparishcouncil.org.uk.
The defibrillators are easy to use, and designed so they cannot be used unless they are needed.
Additionally, the council has set up a Village Emergency Telephone System as another way of getting help to people who need it. The number is 01837 500999 and is to be called after calling 999. The VETS volunteers are awaiting training and should be able to help fetch a defibrillator if needed. The Parish Council is extremely grateful to everyone that volunteered to be part of the scheme, it wouldn't happen with them.
The defibrillators and VETS have been sourced through our partnership with the Community Heartbeat Trust who have been very helpful at every stage of purchasing and installing the equipment.