Press Release: Heart appeal aims to save lives in Coventry

Organisations in Coventry are being urged to support a campaign to introduce more defibrillators into the community in memory of a prominent businessman.

The Derek Higgs Start a Heart Appeal wants to place 50 defibrillators across Coventry which will cost £50,000, and is calling on businesses to protect their workforce and customers by buying one of the life-saving machines.

The appeal is in memory of Sir Derek Higgs, a trustee of the Alan Edward Higgs Charity, who died suddenly of a heart attack in April last year at the age of 64.

The successful businessman was director of Coventry City FC and the chairman of Alliance & Leicester, but was best known for his work on reforming the way Britain’s businesses are run.

Every year in Coventry around 500 people suffer a cardiac arrest, which is when the heart stops pumping effectively.

For every minute that passes after a cardiac arrest, the chance of survival decreases by 10 per cent, but this can be radically improved if a normal heart rhythm can be restored before a paramedic arrives.

A defibrillator interprets the heartbeat and can give a controlled electric shock to restore the heart’s normal rhythm.

Peter Knatchbull-Hugessen, brother-in-law of Sir Derek Higgs and co-organiser of the appeal, said: “Derek cared passionately about Coventry and its people and we think this is a fitting tribute to the good work he carried out in the region.

“Individuals can help by finding out if their club, workplace or gym has a defibrillator, and if not then to get them to contact the appeal. These machines should be available everywhere. It is a small cost to protect lives."

The defibrillators usually cost £1,300 plus VAT but if bought through the appeal it will only cost organisations £1,000.

The appeal is also asking for donations to ensure that community centres and public places can have defibrillators.

Through West Midlands Ambulance Service, the Derek Higgs Start a Heart Appeal will provide all organisations that buy a defibrillator with a free accredited basic life support training course, which would normally cost between £250 and £300, and includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use the life saving defibrillators.

West Midlands Ambulance Service Community Response Manager for Coventry and Warwickshire, Ian Inglesant, said: “The training package the organisations receive allows staff to carry out basic life support including CPR and the use of a defibrillator. 

“This means that they are fully equipped to help save a person’s life; that person may be a close friend, family member or a complete stranger but it is vital they receive help quickly. 

“Using a defibrillator is very simple and if you ask any volunteer who has done so what their greatest achievement is; they will undoubtedly say it is having saved a life.”

To sign-up to the appeal or to make a donation, call 08444 120552 or visit www.startaheartcov.com

Media enquiries:

Katie Pearce
Advent Communications
2 Edison Building
Electric Wharf
Sandy Lane
Coventry  CV1 4JA
 
T: 02476 633636
W: www.advent-communications.co.uk