Blackburn barmen put their hearts into 999 training (From This Is Lancashire)

Blackburn barmen put their hearts into 999 training

4:40pm Monday 4th June 2012 in News

BARMEN at a working men’s club have been learning to use lifesaving equipment.

Nine staff and committee members from Mill Hill WMC, in Moorgate Street, Blackburn, have been taking classes with first-aid trainers ABC North West on how to use defibrillators.

The machines use electric shocks to restart the heart of somebody suffering a cardiac arrest.

The defibrillator has been presented to the club, and staff will now be able to administer vital treatment until paramedics arrive.

Trevor Williams, who led the training, said the skills the barmen had learned were essential for saving lives.

He said: “The team was very enthusiastic. They are not paid to do this sort of thing, but it is really great that they have. With the recent press with Bolton footballer Fabrice Muamba collapsing on the field, it is very high-profile.”

Mr Williams said that if somebody having a cardiac arrest could be shocked within one minute of their heart stopping, they had a 95 per cent chance of surviving. But for every minute lost, the odds dropped by seven to 14 per cent.

Mr Williams said he had also noted a 30 per cent increase in the number of businesses taking up the classes.

The Mill Hill WMC staff who took part in the heart-start training were Emma Grogan, David James, Janet Hargreaves, James Shannon, David Wallace, Craig Golden, Sue Heeks, Denise Hutchinson, Bill Wright and Matt Howarth.

n staff at Blackburn Ice Arena in Lower Audley, have decided to make their defibrillator more widely available.

The equipment was donated by the North West Ambulance 18 months ago and eight staff have been trained to use it.

“One trained user is always on duty.

Mark Halliwell, general manager of the arena, said it had not yet been used.

He added: “These units should be more readily available throughout the town and people should be made more aware of their locations and what to do if needed.”

To access the defibrillator, ask at reception.