Phone box defibrillator plan
A traditional red phone box could become a lifeline for cardiac patients, after being named as a potential defibrillator site.
Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council in Telford adopted the disused kiosk, on Chapel Row, Horton, last year, and plans for its future are under consultation.
Next week councillors will consider establishing a network of automated external defibrillators (AED) around the parish.
In a report before members, parish council clerk Jonathan Brumwell said that modern AEDs are reliable, user-friendly and can be vital in resuscitating a cardiac arrest patient.
“The most important consideration is that those who might need to use an AED know where it is kept and how to access it quickly,” he writes.
“It should not be locked away and inaccessible.
“Most AEDs located in public places are kept in protective cabinets. Various types of cabinet are available offering different levels of security and weather-proofing.”
The report adds that there is no specific budget provision for defibrillators, but there is £20,000 in the parish council’s “Partnership Working (General)” budget for 2019-20.
A map, included in the report, shows 11 potential defibrillator sites throughout the parish.
“The parish council adopted the red telephone kiosk in Horton in 2018,” Mr Brumwell writes.
“There is an earmarked reserve of £1,999 for maintenance and revenue provision of £500.
“Future use of the kiosk is to be determined following consultation with residents, but provision is available for installation of an AED at this location utilising the earmarked reserve.”
Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council will discuss the report when it meets on Tuesday, February 5.
Story by Local Democracy Reporter Alex Moore
