Suddenly losing her father Paul to Cardiac arrest in 2022 is what spurred Clare on to set up the Paul Alan Project. Last year, Clare Parish and her charity team have installed defibrillators in several local locations such as at Sutton Green, The Robin Hood pub and in Sutton Town Centre.
A passionate football fan, Paul collapsed while watching a game at Fulham Football Club. Clare says “Those first few moments of a cardiac arrest are the most crucial. I want to live in a world where people are empowered to take immediate action if they witness a cardiac emergency”
Her aim in 2024 is to supply at least 10 public access defibrillators for community use across London and Surrey.
The charity is appealing to local businesses and organisations who are able to provide a space to fit an indoor defibrillator within a 24/7 public access cabinet. Clare says “We provide defibrillators to community spaces where there is a need; in particular, within town centres, parks and open spaces and grassroots and amateur league football”.
Cardiac arrests are caused by certain types of arrhythmias that prevent the heart from pumping blood and is one of the biggest killers.
Defibrillators help save lives by allowing minimally trained people to provide lifesaving electric shocks to the hearts of victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Cleverly, the device analyses and looks for shockable heart rhythm, advises the rescuer of the need for defibrillation and delivers a shock if needed.
Have you been affected by this issue? Share your experience and advice in the comments section below. Clare also offers FREE lessons in lifesaving skills and is aiming to train at least 200 people over the next year. This course helps you spot the signs of Cardiac Arrest, perform CPR and confidently use a defibrillator. Find out more.
