Whorlton and Westwick Parish Council has installed a community defibrillator in Whorlton village for use by the public on victims of sudden cardiac arrest (heart attacks). This device is accessible 24 hours a day. A defibrillator is a portable machine that automatically sends an electric shock to the heart muscle to return it to its normal rhythm

IMPORTANT: In the event of an emergency dial 999 and ask for an ambulance before you do anything else. The operator will confirm the location of the nearest defibrillator and give you the number code to unlock the door of the defibrillator cabinet and access the equipment.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE TRAINED TO USE THIS EQUIPMENT – THE DEVICE WILL TALK YOU THROUGH WHAT YOU NEED TO DO. REMEMBER TO DIAL 999 FIRST.

Where can I find the defibrillator? The device is located next to the main entrance of the village hall on the right hand side of the door, opposite the village green. The Village Hall Community Association have agreed to pay for the minimal electric used to keep the defibrillator charged

What is a defibrillator? A defibrillator is a potentially life-saving device which delivers an electrical current that shocks the heart back into a normal rhythm following a sudden cardiac arrest. They are safe and easy to use. The unit cost £1.500 each and is wall-mounted in bright yellow metal box.

Why have a defibrillator? The device has been installed by the Parish Council amid concerns that ambulance response times for rural locations like Whorlton and Westwick can be lengthy.

Who paid for it? The Parish Council received a grant of £1,250 from Teesdale Action Partnership.

Who supplied the unit? The defibrillator was purchased from WEL Medical.

Who fitted the unit? The unit was fitted by R Lightfoot Electricians

What else is being done? Whorlton and Westwick Parish Council is trying to arrange defibrillator familiarisation training but this has been difficult due to recent restrictions and the current lockdown.  It is hoped that a defibrillator training session can arranged for the future.

Who will pay for it in the future?  The Parish Council is responsible for the ongoing costs of maintenance and replacement of the unit therefore funds will come from the Parish Council Precept.  An amount of £250 will be earmarked to pay for a replacement battery and electrode pads.