As part of a joint initiative with the British Heart Foundation (BHF), the homebuilder is donating potentially life-saving PAD’s to communities around the UK to help people who suffer from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
As part of its commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in the areas in which it builds, Taylor Wimpey is donating the defibrillators to local communities when its developments are completed, with the Bognor Regis community surrounding its Regis Park development being the latest to be gifted a PAD.
Roz Wells, Sales and Marketing Director at Taylor Wimpey Southern Counties, said: “It’s so important to us that we give something back to the communities in which we’re building. Our partnership with the BHF is vitally important in helping to ensure that more defibrillators are available for people who might need them and we are proud to be able to make this equipment readily accessible in Bognor Regis.”
Estelle Stephenson, Head of Health Partnerships and Community Resuscitation at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Every second counts when someone has a cardiac arrest, and we know that prompt CPR and defibrillation can double the chances of survival in some cases. Increasing the number of publicly accessible defibrillators in our communities – alongside more of us learning CPR skills – can play a vital role in these critical moments. That is why we are delighted that Taylor Wimpey has contributed to the aims of the BHF by making a public access defibrillator available in Bognor Regis as part of their wider local campaign. It could help save a life.”
The defibrillator was delivered to the club by Reece Sheppard, a Management Trainee as part of Taylor Wimpey’s Trainee Scheme. The scheme takes place over four years, during which trainees build on their skills and technical development while also receiving on-the-job learning and experience in their desired role.
Shaun Rimmer, Chairman at Bognor Rugby Club, said: “We are delighted to accept this wonderful gesture from Taylor Wimpey. PADs are expensive pieces of equipment, but are absolutely essential for any sports club, large or small. It’s always the hope that they won’t get used, but we had an experience a couple of years ago where one was used to save the life of an opposition player, so we’re very aware of its importance”.
A defibrillator is a portable device that can be used by anyone to help restart the heart when someone suffers from a cardiac arrest and has stopped breathing. No specific training is needed and the device will only deliver a shock to the heart if necessary. When someone has a cardiac arrest, every second counts. For every minute that passes without defibrillation and CPR the chances of survival decrease by around ten per cent.
For more information on CPR, defibrillators and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, or how you can help BHF create a Nation of Lifesavers, visit www.bhf.org.uk/cpr
To find out more about the homes available at Regis Park, visit https://www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/new-homes/bognor-regis/regis-park