The automated external defibrillator is located on the outside wall of Bank House on the corner of the market square. The unit was officially unveiled by Norfolk Police and Crime Commissioner Stephen Bett on Friday 20 March.
 
Administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or using a defibrillator within the first four minutes of a suspected cardiac arrest significantly increases the patient’s chance of survival.
 
The fully portable electronic device automatically diagnoses cardiac incidents and applies electrical therapy to allow the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm.
 
When a 999 call is made to the emergency services, if there is more than one person with the casualty, the caller will be directed to the nearest defibrillator.
 
An access code will be given over the phone to unlock the cabinet, and the portable unit can then be taken to the casualty. Guidance is provided on how to use the equipment by an automated voice, which will direct the user as to how to attach the pads to the patient’s chest and carry out the treatment.
 
The unit is said to be safe and easy to use and cannot do any damage: the defibrillator will only work if an irregular heartbeat is detected, and can be used without any training.
 
TOCC worked with the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) as part of a project to install 100 of these units across the region, with the company funding the yellow housing and installation of the equipment. It is also organising awareness training sessions run by the EEAST, and has provided the access code to key shops and organisations within the town.
 
TOCC business development director James Ellis admitted that the initial idea for the defibrillator came from his wife, Mel, who had worked in a cardiac rehabilitation team in the National Health Service. “We wanted to make a difference to people’s lives,” he explained.
 
“Every minute saved by equipment such as this increases the chance of survival drastically. Even if it saves one person’s life it will be more than worth the cost. And we are pleased to do this as a company and as part of Reepham.”
 
Annette Alston, who set up Lucie’s Lifesaving Project in 2009 after her 25-year-old daughter, Lucie Procter, died of a cardiac arrest, said if a defibrillator had been available it might have saved her life.
 
“Over the past few years we have been working with the EEAST, Community Heartbeat and Norfolk Young Farmers Clubs to help provide 16 public-access defibrillators across the county," she said. "Public awareness is growing, and thanks go to TOCC for making this unit available in Reepham.
 
"Please take advantage of the awareness training and help spread the word. These defibrillators are very easy to use, but you have to get to them quickly. Many more need to be installed across the country.”
 
Addressing a large crowd of invited guests who gathered for the launch of the town’s new defibrillator, Mr Bett said defibrillators are a “great idea” and a good example of all sorts of things that local communities are doing in Norfolk. He was standing in for Broadland MP Keith Simpson, who had a family bereavement.
 
Enquiries about, or donations to, Lucie’s Lifesaving Project can be made via annette@honingham.co.uk