Valentine's gift for Jersey

Valentine's Day will see many people giving their hearts to others. St John Ambulance Jersey will be doing their own bit to keep hearts safe by issuing its 70th defibrillator (heart start machine) on the island.

Since the start of their defibrillator programme, launched by Kyran Bracken in 2001, St John Ambulance have now trained and distributed 70 machines in offices, shops, hotels, fitness centres and other locations across Jersey.

'It seems like only yesterday that we announced our 50th machine being issued to the Jersey Evening Post,' said Bailiwick Director, Nigel Truscott.

'But that was February 2007, and it shows the concern of many organisations for their customers and staff that our goal of ensuring prompt access to a defibrillator to anyone who needs it is moving closer.'

The Breakfast clubs in Jersey certainly have recognised the necessity of these machines; 'Following an explanation of the concept by St John Ambulance to members of all the breakfast clubs that meet at the Pomme D’Or Hotel, it was felt that we should show positive support by purchasing a defibrillator that could be based at the hotel,' said Rob Bryans who helps run the 747 club.

'All members contributed for the purchase of this machine and the Seymour Group who own the Pomme D’Or, agreed to let some of their staff members be trained in its operation.'

He continued: 'We have been made aware the importance of those first 10 minutes when a heart attack happens and the use of defibrillators on the island has already saved lives, we could not think a more appropriate gift to give on Valentine’s day.'

Nigel Truscott concluded: 'Although Jersey may have reasonable access to defibrillators many countries have more, and we hope more people and organisations follow the example of the Breakfast clubs and contact us to see how they can add to the network that is growing across the island.'