At our meeting this week we heard from Ken Hopkins of Hopkins Training and Support about the importance of having AEDs (Automated External Defibrilators) available and working in the local community. He explained what the defibrillator does and how important it is to relaise that the use of an AED alone will not save someone’s life who has suffered a cardiac arrest. Effective and iommediate CPR (cardio-pulmonary resusication) is also extremely important. Whilst there are a number of the AEDs located across our local area these need to be regularly checked and maintianed to ensure they are working when needed. Looking at the “Defib Finder” website will tell you where the current register of AEDs are located and it is worth a view. Ken mentioned that 80% of all heart attacks/cardiac arrests occur in the home and oftern on a Monday morning. So it is vital that these pieces of equipment are located close to where the population is. We will be looking into how we as a group can help with supporting the upkeep of these items. Our thanks go to Ken for an extremely useful and informative presentation.