A pub is the latest location to house a defibrillator in a village in Solihull after a library installed a life-saving device recently.The Bulls Head in Barston is the first pub in the borough to have a life-saving piece of kit. The defibrillator was provided by West Midlands Ambulance Service who trained staff and locals in basic life support and how to use the device last month. In July, Meriden Library became the first location in the village to house a defibrillator.
The defibrillator, which is a device used to help restart the heart of someone in cardiac arrest, is in a secure metal box at the front of the pub which can be accessed by anyone in an emergency, after calling 999, and is available to the community 24/7.
During the August Bank Holiday weekend, the pub held its annual village fete which regularly sees more than 1,000 attendees and was the perfect opportunity to show off the new device.
Andy Jeynes, Community Response Manager, said: “The Pub is very popular not only with locals, but is also a drinking hole for passing walkers and visitors. As a Trust we provided the AED whilst the Parish Council and Barston Association raised the funds to purchase the external cabinet to house the device which now sits proudly on the wall of the pub. In August I provided training to a number of community members in basic life support and how to use the device. It’s a great location for a defibrillator, particularly for a rural spot such as Barston.”
Barston resident Trixie Harman said: “It was very reassuring at the fete on Bank Holiday Monday to know that the defibrillator was available in an emergency. We hope that it will not be needed, but with the training that villagers have been given, we, as a community are far more prepared to help if needed. We are very grateful to West Midlands Ambulance Service and FastAid for all the help that they have given us, and to Brad for allowing us to put it on the wall of the pub.”
