A school in Cockermouth has received a new mobile defibrillator thanks to a local care provider.
The mobile defibrillator was provided to Bridekirk School by McCarthy Stone, with support from Castlegate Surgery, and is available to everyone in the local community as well as pupils, parents and staff members of the school.
McCarthy Stone, which has a retirement living development, Lancaster Court, in Cockermouth, funded the costs of the defibrillator which will help increase the rate of survival should anyone suffer from a cardiac arrest.
The mobile defibrillator will provide immediate support at any point throughout the school day. The defibrillator is also capable of being taken on day trips, providing parents and staff alike with peace of mind.
Sourced by Castlegate Surgery, the defibrillator is suitable for use on a child or adult should a member of the public ever be in need. Castlegate Surgery has also provided vital training to the school staff on the occasion that it is required and will be supporting with regular service checks.
Julia Fish, headteacher at Bridekirk School, said: “While there are community defibrillators in the surrounding villages, we were growing ever conscious that we needed a mobile defibrillator on the school premises. All children have their own very individual needs, both academically and medically, and having a defibrillator close by is reassuring should it ever be needed.”
Declan Fishwick, marketing executive at McCarthy Stone, added: “When we heard Bridekirk School were in search of a defibrillator we were only too happy to help with its funding. Whilst we hope it is never needed, we know that it brings reassurance to the local community that if there is ever an emergency a mobile defibrillator is close by.
“At McCarthy Stone, our friendly communities are there to support one another. Creating a sense of connection with schools as well as the local community helps to foster great relationships with that of our staff and our homeowners.”