A WOMAN whose uncle survived after suffering a cardiac arrest is raising money to have a defibrillator installed in Staincross.
Rebecca Garwood, 21, of Warsop Close, Athersley North, is grateful her uncle Alan is alive after he suffered a cardiac arrest in 2013.
He was at a ski resort when the incident occurred and a defibrillator was used. He was then put into an induced hypothermic coma and given a triple heart bypass.
He has now recovered and the experience touched Rebecca, who went on to learn first aid and is now qualified as a first aid tutor. Whilst studying she also learnt the importance of defibrillators.
She said: “When you are suffering a cardiac arrest for every minute that passes, your chances of survival drop by ten per cent.
“In Barnsley there are not enough defibrillators and in Staincross where my mum lives, the closest defibrillator is in Darton which would be a five minute trip there and back even if we were speeding.
“A defibrillator greatly increases a person’s chances of surviving and it’s important to me to have one installed in Staincross as I have witnessed how amazing these are.”
Rebecca has set up a go fund me page to raise the money, and will install the defibrillator at 358 New Road in Staincross.
She said: “The quicker you can access a defibrillator the higher the chances of saving someone’s life. The defibrillator will benefit everyone and you never know when you will need it.”
To donate visit the Go Fund Me website here.
