A fun-filled April challenge for all Swanton services hopes to empower the people we support and staff to become life savers.
Across England, Scotland and Wales, Swanton teams have been tasked with locating and visiting the Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in their local area.
To make the challenge fun, Support Staff will do maps and treasure hunts to gamify the AED awareness exercise.
However, knowing where life-saving equipment is in your community is a serious business that Swanton hopes could prove invaluable.
The challenge was the brainchild of Lydia Evans, Registered Manager at Values In Care service Fairview House/White Cottage.
Ross, who is supported at the service, went out to find the AEDs nearby.
Lydia said: “It’s essential for everyone to be aware of the locations of their local AEDs in case of an emergency.
“Being able to get life-saving equipment fast could be the difference between somebody surviving or dying.
“By making this challenge fun, the people we support can enjoy getting out for walks and treasure hunts, as well as learning something of vital importance.”
Some Swanton services have on-site AED equipment, which can provide a lifeline in their local communities.
The machines are used to help people who experience sudden cardiac arrest and are simple to use for non-medical professionals.
But time is of the essence in such a moment, so knowing where the nearest AED is could save lives.
Lydia added: “Each of us is responsible for knowing where our nearest AEDs are.
“Who knows, it could be that knowledge that saves a family from the heartbreak of losing a loved one.
“We hope Swanton’s April AED challenge will inspire others to locate their nearest AEDs too.”
