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Defibrillator in a Rural Area In the peaceful countryside of Allensford Park, about five minutes from Consett, a vital community safety initiative has taken root. Thanks to the determination of Michelle Turner, owner of Café at Inn on the Park, the area now has access to a public defibrillator that could one day save lives. Turning concern into action In October 2022, Michelle contacted local councillor Dominic Haney to ask for help in raising awareness and funds for a defibrillator. Allensford is a rural area where ambulance response times can be longer than in urban centres. In the event of a cardiac arrest, every minute is crucial. The availability of a defibrillator in such locations can mean the difference between life and death. Michelle, along with customers of the café and families staying at Allensford Holiday Park, raised an impressive £564. With this fundraising foundation, Councillor Haney stepped in and introduced Michelle to Tom Sharple from the Rotary North East’s One Life Initiative. Together, they arranged for the defibrillator to be provided through council funding. This accelerated the process, ensuring the defibrillator could be ordered and installed quickly. The money raised through the community’s efforts was used to cover installation and the purchase of replacement pads, which need to be changed every two to five years. A registered device, ready for emergencies Michelle now serves as the official guardian of Allensford’s defibrillator. This role involves checking that the equipment is maintained, the pads are up to date and that it is registered with The Circuit – the UK’s national defibrillator network. The Circuit links defibrillators with ambulance services across the country. If someone calls 999 during a cardiac emergency, the operator can direct the caller to the nearest registered defibrillator. If a device is not registered, it may go unseen and unused at a critical moment. The presence of a registered defibrillator means it can be located quickly and used without delay. Rural realities: why defibrillators matter more than ever Rural communities face unique challenges when it comes to emergency healthcare. In many cases, it takes longer for an ambulance to reach a patient due to distance, road conditions or geography. For someone experiencing a cardiac arrest, the chances of survival drop by ten percent for every minute without defibrillation. Having a defibrillator nearby gives communities a fighting chance. Awareness, access and readiness are the key pillars that can save lives. Michelle and the team at Café at Inn on the Park recently featured on BBC Look North, highlighting the importance of public access defibrillators and the ongoing need to install more across the region. Could your community benefit? Many community groups, schools, sports clubs and businesses are eligible for free or part-funded defibrillators through initiatives supported by the British Heart Foundation and other organisations. It is worth checking whether your area could benefit. You can also support a local campaign, volunteer to be a defibrillator guardian, or simply raise awareness by sharing information with friends and neighbours. In a rural community, one conversation can spark real change. Supporting a community, one meal at a time Café at Inn on the Park is open seven days a week from 9.30 am, offering breakfasts, lunches and Sunday roasts in a friendly setting. While visitors enjoy the food and company, they are also helping to support a small business that continues to give back to the local community in meaningful ways.
