Defibrillator installed at the Crown Oil Arena

A new life-saving defibrillator has been installed at the Crown Oil Arena.

Whilst there is already a defibrillator inside the stadium, the new one has been erected outside the Rochdale AFC Community Trust office and near the kick pitch, available 24/7 to the wider community.

A defibrillator is a device that gives a high-energy electric shock to someone having a heart attack and can help save their life.

It has been donated by Spotland and Falinge's councillors – Iram Faisal, Rachel Massey and Faisal Rana – who this week unveiled the life-saving device along with Ryan Bradley, Director of the Rochdale AFC Community Trust. 

Mr Bradley said: "The Crown Oil arena is not just home to professional football and rugby - we support and host many grassroots community sports sessions.

We are very much a community club and facility providers and the health and wellbeing of players, coaches, parents, grandparents, and other members of the wider community who attend these facilities on a weekly basis is very important to us.

“We are delighted with the donation of a new defibrillator and cabinet by our local councillors for everyone who uses the Crown Oil arena or lives nearby.”

Councillor Faisal said: “After the heart-breaking footage of Danish footballer Christian Eriksen during the Euro 2020 competition, it really highlights the importance of this life saving equipment.

“There are thousands of people who use Spotland Stadium or live nearby, and this can be a life saver. It is an essential piece of kit."

Councillor Rachel Massey added: “With the increasing amount of community participation at the Crown Oil Arena, Spotland and Falinge's councillors are delighted to have provided this defibrillator in such an important location.

“No age is exempt from heart challenges and following the events during Euro 2020, we felt a defibrillator placed outside the stadium and near the well-used kick-pitch would be ideal.”

Councillor Rana added: “There is a need for more defibrillators at all sporting stadia and public buildings. If this equipment saves just one life, then it has been worth it."

Do you know how to use a defibrillator? Here is a handy guide from St John Ambulance:

• www.sja.org.uk/get-advice/first-aid-advice/how-to/how-to-use-a-defibrillator/