Webhelp has installed a community defibrillator in Dunoon as part of an initiative to install Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) on all of its UK sites.

 

The crucial piece of life-saving equipment has been made available in the event of an emergency outside Webhelp’s Caledonia House office which is next to Sandbank Primary School. Anthony Sinclair, Director of Resilience and Property, explains:

 

“As a business focused on putting our people first, our health and safety strategy isn’t just about protecting our colleagues, but the communities we’re part of as well. To help safeguard our colleagues and indeed the communities where we work, Webhelp is installing AEDs at a number of our UK sites, including one in Dunoon which comes with paediatric pads. All of the sites were chosen where there are currently no AEDs registered on the national circuit near these locations, so by installing publically accessible AEDs on the exterior of our buildings, we feel we can help make a difference the wider community.”

 

 

Installation of the Dunoon defibrillator was complete on 31st of August 2021 and joining the free training on the day, delivered by Webhelp’s Health and Safety Manager, Craig Rooney, were first aiders from Sandbank Primary School. Head Teacher, Jamie Houston commented:

 

“When we were contacted by Craig, we didn’t hesitate to get involved. We are delighted that this life-saving equipment has been made available to us. We can’t thank Craig and the Webhelp team enough for the training provided.”

 

The Caledonia House defibrillator comes with an additional set of Paediatric Pads designed for use on children between one and eight years old, or under 25kg/55lbs in weight is registered with the Scottish Ambulance Service and will be available 24/7 meaning even when the Webhelp building is closed, it will be accessible.

 

According to the British Heart Foundation, around 30,000 people in Britain every year suffer from sudden cardiac arrest in the community, and when an AED is used within 3-5 minutes of a cardiac arrest, the survival rate increases significantly from 7% to 64%.

 

As part of Webhelp’s Health and Safety strategy, refresher defibrillator training is underway with trained first aiders across their UK sites.