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Tees Business launches local defibrillator campaign
MI Supplies managing director Alex Ingham ( centre ) with Tees Business directors Dave Allan ( left ) and Martin Walker , who have launched a defibrillator campaign for the Tees region .
T
ees Business has launched a campaign to make defibrillators more widely available , with an appeal for local businesses to either buy a machine or donate towards the life-saving equipment for the community .
The Tees Business Defibrillator Campaign follows the shocking incident that saw Denmark footballer Christian Eriksen saved by a team of medics who used a defibrillator to restart his heart after he suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch during the Euros .
The campaign aims to encourage businesses to invest in a defibrillator or donate towards the Tees Business Defibrillator fund , while also creating a heat map of where the machines are located and knowledge of how to use them .
Tees Business has joined forces with Teesside workwear and PPE firm MI Supplies for the campaign , with the Stockton company offering to supply defibrillators at cost , with no profit to themselves .
Dave Allan , director of Tees Business owners Resolution Media and Publishing , believes this is an opportunity for the region ’ s business community to save local lives by joining forces .
“ Everyone was shocked by that highprofile incident involving Christian Eriksen and it ’ s clear he was very fortunate that there was a defibrillator available ,” he said .
“ These amazing machines are clearly potential life-savers – but we ’ ve become aware that there ’ s not enough of them around and , perhaps more importantly , most people have no idea where they are or what to do with them .
“ We believe it ’ s vital we help change that situation by getting more defibrillators into our business community , but also increasing knowledge about where they are and boosting confidence in using them .”
Fellow director Martin Walker said : “ The lack of local knowledge about the location and use of these potentially lifesaving pieces of equipment is alarming . We ’ re committed to doing all we can to making a difference . Someone ’ s life may depend on it .”
Russ Lock and Alex Ingham from MI Supplies say they are delighted to join forces with Tees Business on the campaign .
Russ said : “ Having supplied defibrillators to local businesses over the last 16 years , we were concerned the cost of them could be prohibitive to some establishments .
“ After speaking with our supply chain , we ’ ve been able to drive down and heavily subsidise the cost , at no profit , with the hope of making a difference in the region we serve .”
Each year , more than 100,000 people lose their life to sudden cardiac arrest . By having access to an automated defibrillator , the chances of survival are increased by up to 70 per cent .
Alex added : “ The statistics are alarming and were one of the main reasons that prompted us to help and get this life-saving equipment available and people more educated on their importance .
“ We ’ re delighted to work with Tees Business on this important campaign .”
Organisations can order fully automatic defibrillators via MI Supplies here : Medical – Defibrillators ( misupplies . co . uk ). Please use code TEESMIDEFIB for a Tees Business Defibrillator Campaign discount when ordering .
Businesses that would like to donate towards the Tees Business Defibrillator Campaign are asked to email Dave Allan at dave @ resolutionpublishing . co . uk .
Businesses and organisations that already have defibrillators are also asked to get in touch with location details to help towards the creation of a local defibrillator map .
66 | Tees Business