EMERGENCY equipment that could save lives in the community has been installed in Ripon thanks to the fundraising efforts of a parents' association.
Ripon Grammar School has taken delivery of a defibrillator, which has been mounted in a locked cabinet on the outside wall of its sports hall.
Sixth form students and staff have been trained by Yorkshire Ambulance Service in how to use the equipment, but anyone can follow the instructions to operate it in the event of an emergency.
Alison Reed, of the Grammar School Parents' Association, said the idea to fundraise for a community defibrillator was suggested by a parent who is also a doctor.
"It came out of a conversation at one of our meetings and everyone agreed it was a good idea, especially since it's something for school but also a benefit for the whole local community," explained Alison.
Parents supported fundraising activities including a murder mystery night, a summer ball, Christmas fair and Burn's Night supper to pay for the machine.
Chris Sharp, head of leadership and learning with Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said the defibrillator had the potential to save lives.
"It's a critical piece of equipment. An ambulance will get to an emergency typically within eight minutes but in responding to a cardiac arrest literally every second counts," he explained.
Anyone calling 999 in the local area can be directed to the defibrillator and given a code to unlock the cabinet, which is lit and heated. Full written, as well as verbal, instructions are provided.
Neil Marsay, community defibrillation officer with the ambulance service, said: "It's very easy to use without training. Anyone calling 999 is given instructions in how to work out what's wrong with the patient, but even if someone's not sure and uses the defibrillator when it's not actually needed they can't harm the patient."
Grammar School students who have been trained said they felt confident enough to use it in an emergency.
Zara Cotton, who is planning to study medicine and is also a lifeguard, said: "We aren't 'on call' as such, but if we were near in an emergency we would definitely respond."
Bryn May added: "I'm a sports coach so being able to use the defibrillator is a good thing for me to know. It's quite clear how to use it, and the instructions take you through every step."
