Guernsey Post delivers the means to save a life

The Cardiac Action Group has installed a public access defibrillator, funded by Guernsey Post, on the Envoy House railings, near to the post box.

It is available to be used at all times.

‘As a company we are really hot on health and safety,’ said Guernsey Post health and safety manager Shelley Carberry.

‘We did a first aid training session last year and it went down really well.

‘The next step was getting the community involved and giving people the opportunity to use a defibrillator if they need it.

‘They are simple and easy to use and we are in such a good location.’

Envoy House has a defibrillator inside the building. After a postal worker put forward the idea of installing another one for public use, discussions were opened with CAG.

The charity has installed defibrillators, which cost around £2,500, at locations such as Footes Lane, Sark’s Island Hall and Alderney Golf Club, with the one at Envoy House taking the Bailiwick’s total to 120.

To ensure the consistent functionality of the PADs, the charity appoints a guardian at each location to runs checks every fortnight, using a QR code linked to an app that flags up any issues.

Not only will CAG be training the postal staff, but it will also run free public training sessions for islanders to gain confidence in CPR and defibrillator use.

‘People used to be afraid to use them and I think they did not realise they were in the community,’ said vice-chairwoman Gerry Le Roy.

‘We want to educate people as a cardiac arrest is the ultimate medical emergency,’ she said.

Islanders must first call 999 and give their location to receive a code to unlock the cabinet in which a defibrillator is housed.

. Those looking to arrange a free training session should email contact the group info@cag.org.gg.

. More information is available on its website cag.org.gg