A small village has become more ‘heart-safe’ following a 999 emergency incident.
People in Combe Florey, near Bishops Lydeard, sprang into action after a parishioner suffered a suspected heart attack.
During the scare in January 2023, they discovered the nearest potential life-saving defibrillator was over two miles away.
So they clubbed together with the support of the parish council and have raised the money to pay for three defibrillators, which have now been installed locally.
The Combe Florey Defibrillator Group (CFDG) has also teamed up with the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) charity to offer CPR and defibrillator training for the community.
A spokesperson for CFDG said: “We started the group in January 2023, after a parishioner called 999 to report a suspected heart attack and was advised to collect the nearest defibrillator while waiting for an ambulance.
“At that time, the closest device was 2.6 miles away - approximately a six-minute drive.
“Following discussions and the support of Combe Florey Parish Council, grant applications and donations were sourced and fundraising began.”
Once sufficient funds were raised, the group bought two defibs from South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust’s rental scheme.
And the parish council has now put up the cost of a third device from the air ambulance charity with cash from the Community Infrastructure Levy planning charge imposed on local building schemes.
The machines are sited off the A358 at Combe Florey Village Hall, Holford House in Trebles Holford, and The Farmers Arms.
The CFDG spokesperson added: “The group remains committed to maintaining the defibrillators, ensuring they are listed and remain registered on the circuit database, providing ongoing training opportunities and securing the long-term sustainability of the project.”
DSAA supporter engagement officer Charlotte Humber, who has delivered an awareness session at the Farmers Arms, said: “It was fantastic to meet members of the CFDG and their community.
“Their passion for keeping their community safe was inspiring.
“Our crew can be anywhere in Dorset and Somerset within 20 minutes, but the care a person receives before emergency services arrive can mean the difference between life and death.”
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