Towards the end of May, after reading an item in The Chimes, my wife and I went to Linton Village Hall to learn about defibrillators. There had been news of various installations in the magazine, but I didn't feel I knew enough about them, or how they worked. I was immensely glad I spent that time with the knowledgeable volunteers who took us through the whole procedure and actually gave us the opportunity to use the equipment – albeit on rubber bodies! – and to give proper chest pressure as part of the process. Judging from the reactions around me, I was not the only one who realised how little I knew about resuscitation and the need to act quickly and positively.

We also had some additional training with blood packs. Injuries involving wounds and severing of arteries are regrettably all too common in the countryside and applying a tourniquet or dressing can make all the difference in the short term until the first responders arrive. We need more of them in the villages, in the same way as defibrillators. Again, the training for me was an eye-opener and I am so glad I took the time to attend. If you get the chance, either to find out more or to invite a demonstration to your own group, please do so. It could be a life-saver.

  Peter