An ongoing community programme aimed at training as many people as possible in basic lifesaving skills—specifically effective Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of defibrillators—has recently added 13 more capable residents to the local network of lifesavers. These individuals are now equipped to help sustain life until paramedics arrive.
After attending a two-hour training session, participants gained the knowledge and confidence to use one of the town’s public access defibrillators, located in wall-mounted boxes throughout the area. Sincere thanks go to the management of Oswestry Memorial Hall for providing the space to host this session.
The initiative, organised by local resident and retired Community First Responder Mike Lade, is focused on training everyday people across villages, church halls, pubs, and schools in and around Oswestry. The goal is to empower local residents to become lifesavers in their own communities before emergency services arrive.
Mike explained, “After the training session, everyone left not only with the skills, but more importantly, the confidence to use the defibrillators now located in accessible wall boxes and repurposed telephone kiosks. With ambulance stations closing and crews delayed outside hospitals, having trained individuals in our communities is more important than ever.”
If you would like to organise a free training session in your own village or community space, please contact Mike Lade at 07803 038858 or mikelade1975@gmail.com.
