Defibrillator stolen from Milnrow Memorial Park

A life-saving piece of equipment in Milnrow Memorial Park has been stolen, which could mean the difference between life or death for someone who suffers a heart attack.

The park’s defibrillator, donated in 2018 by Rochdale Heartbeat, was discovered missing on Friday 16 April during the health and safety checks by junior parkrun, which holds a weekly 2k run on Saturday mornings.
 

Read more: Rochdale Heartbeat present a defibrillator for residents of MilnrowPublished: 07 November 2018

A defibrillator gives a high energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest and it's an essential part in trying to save their life.

To help someone who is in cardiac arrest effectively, a defibrillator needs to be found as quickly as possible. For every minute it takes for the defibrillator to reach someone and deliver a shock, their chances of survival reduce by up to 10%.

The device – used in emergency situations when someone is suffering a heart attack – is believed to have been taken between checks, with the box’s timing mechanism being triggered, the equipment taken, and then the box slammed shut.

Access to the defibrillator is provided through a code given after dialling 999. The box it is kept in is also maintained at a constant temperature so that the batteries stay charged should it be required.

The theft was reported to the police on Saturday (17 April) by Councillor Irene Davidson, who holds the paperwork for the equipment and is one of a handful of people who has the access code.

She told Rochdale Online: “To look at the box, you wouldn’t think it was damaged, but everything has gone – the whole kit and caboodle. The defib, the pads, the attachments, the entire lot has gone.

“I did think maybe someone had used it and waited until reporting it, but no-one has been in touch to say they used it. I thought maybe it was the ambulance, but they would have notified those of us with the access code so we could replace the pads.

“Someone has taken advantage of people not going out, and now if someone has a heart attack, it’s on them. The Friends group is up in arms and the nearest defibrillators are at the working men’s club or Newhey Lodge, which are too far if someone needs it. It means relying on an ambulance to get there as quickly as possible to save someone’s life.

“Because it needs to be maintained at a constant temperature, it’s probably useless to whoever’s taken it by now.”

A note from the Friends group has been attached to the box, apologising for the machine’s absence, and advising others of the nearest alternatives.

Councillor Davidson added: “It’s quite upsetting. We’re going to have to raise around £1,400- £1,500 to replace it, and Heartbeat worked so hard to raise the funds in the first place. The Friends group also raised short of £500 for the box, which will also need replacing. If I need to check it every day, I will.

“If you’ve got it, please return it to Milnrow Village Practice. Leave it in the doorway, press the button and there will be no questions asked. Or if you know anything about this, or know of anyone who may be trying to sell a defibrillator, please let the police know.”

Greater Manchester Police has been contacted for comment.

Anyone with information should contact 101; reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.