The Co-op installs defibrillators across stores Island-wide

Wednesday 22 April 2015

Defibrillators have been fitted at The Channel Islands Co-operative Society’s Grand Marché and Locale stores in Jersey.

The Society has been working closely with The States of Jersey Ambulance Service and St John Ambulance to fit the defibrillators across its stores.

"As an organisation that is owned by and run for the benefit of our community, we take our responsibilities seriously. Given the geographical spread of our food stores, we are perfectly positioned to help. A great deal of work has been put into ensuring that all of our food stores will have accessible defibrillators 24-7 and our colleagues in store are comfortable using them, should the need arise," said Colin Macleod, the Society’s chief executive. 

"I would like to extend our thanks to the States of Jersey Ambulance Service, St John Ambulance and Green Urban for helping us to set up such a valuable resource for our Island’s community."

St John Ambulance has provided over 92 hours of training to Society colleagues as part of the project. However, in an emergency situation defibrillators can be accessed by any member of the public day or night. Users can simply dial 999 and follow instructions given by the ambulance controller.

Mike Judge, of the States of Jersey Ambulance Service said, having public access defibrillator sites (PADS) at key points across the Island can make the difference between life and death.

"It is imperative to act quickly when someone is having a cardiac arrest; every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces someone’s chance of survival by 10%. The Channel Islands Co-operative Society’s commitment to training staff and having defibrillators accessible at their food stores is fantastic. Defibrillation, which is an electric shock to restart the heart to a normal rhythm, can significantly increase the chance of survival," he said.

Mr Judge added that any member of the general public should be able to operate a defibrillator and they will be supported throughout the process by a controller from the Ambulance Service.

Commander John Pinel of St John Ambulance Service said the service was delighted that the Society has embraced the concept of life saving heart start machines being available 24-7 to the people of Jersey.

"With The Co-operative Society now having such a wide presence across the island there is now an even greater chance of saving lives, it is surely a prime example of corporate social responsibility," he said.

He added that anyone can use the defibrillators and no training is needed.

"Once you have obtained the code to release the machine by calling 999, it will talk you through the procedure. Our advice is always to have a go rather than just stand aside. It could mean the difference between a life saved and a life lost."