Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association (Merthyr Housing) has installed a defibrillator outside of our offices in the town centre at 11-12 Lower High Street, Merthyr Tydfil. We have previously kept the defibrillator in our offices but realise the importance of making this equipment available 24 hours a day. This equipment will support the health needs of anyone living, working or visiting the local area.
The external defibrillator cabinet was purchased through funding awarded from MTCBC Ffos-y-fran Community Benefit Fund and was installed by Systems Electrical Engineering Ltd who donated their time to install the defibrillator and wall cabinet.
Karen Courts, Chief Executive for Merthyr Housing commented, “We are delighted to be able to support the town centre community with the installation of this lifesaving equipment. Thank you to MTCBC for supporting the grant award for the purchase of the cabinet and also to Systems Electrical for taking the time to install the equipment which is now available for community use.”
Cllr Andrew Barry, Deputy Leader of MTCBC, offered, “On behalf of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, it is a privilege to have played a small part in this important project and we would like to thank Merthyr Housing and S.E.E. for their endeavours.”
Steve Howard, Director at Systems Electrical Engineering Ltd added, “We are delighted to have supported Merthyr Housing with the installation of this life saving equipment. We are pleased to give back to the community knowing that a defibrillator can save lives and will make a real difference to the community.”
Access to a defibrillator gives a higher chance of survival in a cardiac event alongside CPR. The Resuscitation Council through research found that early defibrillation within three to five minutes of collapse can increase survival rates by as high as 50 to 70%.
Resuscitation Council research can be found here: https://www.resus.org.uk/about-us/news-and-events/make-defibs-accessible-247-help-increase-survival-rates-across-uk-say19 July 2024
