Life-Saving Defibrillators Installed at Bishop Auckland Site

In a significant health and safety enhancement, Plastic Mouldings Northern is proud to announce the installation of two life-saving defibrillator devices at our Bishop Auckland site. This vital investment underlines our commitment to the well-being of our employees and the local community, offering peace of mind with the assurance that we are equipped to respond swiftly in emergencies.

The Critical Importance of Defibrillators

The addition of these devices is crucial, as statistics from the British Heart Foundation highlight the severity of cardiac arrest incidents in the UK. With over 30,000 people suffering from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually, and the survival rate without immediate care tragically less than 10%, the presence of defibrillators can be the difference between life and death. These devices deliver a high-energy electric shock to the heart in the event of a cardiac arrest, a procedure that can be performed by anyone, requiring no prior training. The defibrillators automatically assess the heart’s rhythm and instruct the user when a shock is necessary.

Freddy Bourdais, Co-Founder and Sales Director at Plastic Mouldings Northern Ltd, expressed the company’s dedication to safety: “We are committed to supporting not just our employees but also our local community. Installing these defibrillators ensures that everyone in our vicinity has immediate access to these life-saving devices, extending our care beyond our premises to the businesses and individuals around us.”

Impact on Survival Rates

Whilst it is compulsory to have two fire extinguishers on every floor in business premises in the UK, no current legislation surrounds defibrillators – 2021/22 fire related fatalities were at 334 whilst fatalities where a heart attack was the underlying cause in 2021 reached over 20,000+. It is well-documented that the chances of surviving a cardiac arrest significantly increase if a defibrillator is used within the first five minutes, with survival rates soaring to 70%. Conversely, each minute’s delay decreases the likelihood of survival by up to 10%, making the prompt availability of these devices critical.

Accessibility and Registration

The newly installed defibrillators are conveniently located in Unit 1A’s reception and Unit 4’s factory floor on Longfield Road, Bishop Auckland. In an effort to maximise their benefit, these devices will be registered on the National Defibrillator Network, “the circuit,” ensuring they can be accessed during any nearby emergencies. Prior to this initiative by Plastic Mouldings Northern, the closest publicly available defibrillators Bishop Auckland had were located nearly a mile away, underscoring the significance of this development for the local community.

A Step Forward in Community Safety

By installing these life-saving defibrillators, Plastic Mouldings Northern not only enhances the safety and security of our site but also contributes significantly to the welfare of the surrounding community. This action reaffirms our commitment to health, safety, and corporate responsibility, setting a benchmark for others to follow.