Young people from 4th West Bridgford Scouts have been learning and practicing life saving first aid skills in the wake of losing a much-loved leader at the group.
Earlier this year the group were heartbroken to discover one of their leaders, Adam Dearnley, had passed away suddenly aged just 26 from an as yet unknown cardiac problem.
Adam was a dedicated volunteer, devoting 12 years’ voluntary service to enable young people to experience adventure and learn life skills.
His family were determined to create a fitting legacy for him, so they launched a campaign to raise £3,000 to fund two new defibrillators in his name. They far exceeded their goal, raising over £5,000.
A defibrillator has now been installed outside the West Bridgford Methodist Church, the HQ for 4th West Bridgford Scouts.
The defib is registered with East Midlands ambulance service for immediate use in the community, should the need arise.
The second defibrillator that was purchased is a portable version for the Scout group to take on camps and activities.
The excess funds raised were then donated to the charity C.R.Y (Cardiac Risk in the Young), who’s work supports young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions.
Over recent weeks, the Scouts at the group have spent time learning lifesaving first aid skills in case they are ever needed. The young people learnt how to perform CPR, placing people in the recovery position, and most notably, had a go at using a training defibrillator, just like the one the group now has.
Rosie Barnes, aged 12 said “I was really nervous about having a go with the defibrillator, but it was really easy and it talked me through it step by step. I’m now much more confident if I ever have to use one.
Scout Leader Jordan Phillips said “First aid has always been a core skill that we teach the young people, but after the passing of Adam, the Scouts were rightly curious to know more about defibrillators and how to use them, so we’re glad to have been able to give them this opportunity”
According to Resuscitation Council UK, for every minute that someone is in cardiac arrest without receiving CPR and having a defibrillator used on them, their chance of survival decreases by 10%.
