Frome’s network of defibrillators grows

The Locks Hill Surgery defibrillator being accepted by Tracy Mitchell

The latest two public access defibrillators are now commissioned, at Locks Hill Surgery and at the Frome Flyer Premier Inn at Commerce Park, as part of the Friends of Frome Hospital community network initiative.

The ‘Friends’ are now wanting to create a comprehensive list of all the defibrillators in and around town. It is understood there could be many more units behind closed doors that are used for in-house good housekeeping safety procedures.

Project leader Derek Trick said, “We know for instance that the leisure centre and the rugby club have units, but we have been told that some dentist practices and possibly other sports clubs may have units. Do schools, shops, factories or local villages have units? We would like to know so that we can compile and publish a comprehensive listing of available defibrillator units in the area.

“The 15 units that the Friends of Frome Hospital will have installed by December are all public accessible via the 999 emergency services, and are located on the outside of buildings around the town, importantly being available 24/7.

“However, this life-saving initiative could be further enhanced if we could identify where other units are placed, even if they cannot be accessed out of hours.

“Frome has already been flagged up as the first town in the country to initiate a community wide network of defibrillators, and we would appreciate other organisations embracing the ‘Friends’ initiative by registering their units with us.

“Could we ask people to let us know via e-mail to: friendsoffromehospital@ gmail.com”

The final phase of the Friends Frome Hospital Community Defibrillator Scheme is scheduled to include installations at St. John’s Road Community Centre, at Wessex Fields and the Station area.