Hereford FC are delighted to have installed a life-saving public access defibrillator outside the Merton Stand at Edgar Street. The defib is located on the external wall outside the Executive Club and is accessible to the public 24/7.
The importance of having access to a life-saving defib was brought to the close attention of the footballing world when Christian Eriksen collapsed during a Euro 2020 game last year.
The cabinet was installed with the help of an anonymous donor as well as Point to Point Services who provide medical cover for all Hereford FC first-team matches, and Hereford FC volunteer electrician Dan Pace, who installed the cabinet free of charge.
Hereford FC General Manager, Jamie Griffiths said: “Whilst there have been defibrillators available to players and supporters at Edgar Street on matchdays for a number of years, the installation of this new external defibrillator cabinet means that a defib is now accessible 24/7 to the general public and those attending events at the ground.
“With an increase in events in our bars and functions rooms at the stadium seven days a week, it is all the more important for us to have access to a defib in case of emergencies. I’d like to thank the anonymous donor, along with Point to Point Services and Dan Pace for their help, it is very much appreciated.”
Simon Jenkins from Point to Point Services who helped source and finance the defibrillator said: “The UK survival rate for an out of hospital cardiac arrest is around 8%, which is lower than many other parts of the world. Bystander CPR and early defibrillation can raise the chance of survival to 32%! Anyone can use a defibrillator, if the patient isn’t breathing normally, call 999, place the palms of your hands in the centre of the person’s chest and push down firmly (about 2 inches) twice a second. Once the defibrillator arrives, it will talk you through everything that you need to do until help arrives. We really hope that this defibrillator isn’t needed, but it is great to know that it is there and ready to use if someone does need it!”
