Tragedy inspires a ‘First’ for Thame

The defibrillator at the Barns Centre, Thame

A tragedy at a popular venue in Thame has lead to an innovation which may save lives in the future.

A metal, yellow box recently installed at the Barns Centre, Thame, holds the first community defibrillator in Thame. Inside this box is a portable iPAD AED (Automated External Defibrillator) which is available for anyone in the vicinity to use if the worst was to happen and someone was to have a cardiac arrest.

Patsy Baker from the Centre explained: “Several years ago at there was a tragic event here; if a defibrillator has been available a life may have been saved.

“Myself, Karen and Gillian would like to thank all the people who came to the fundraising events we ran over the summer and the local business, ASM, Booker Tate, Kubota, United Legal Services and St Mary’s PCC, who have helped us purchase the first Community Defibrillator in Thame.

“As a spinoff of these efforts at the Centre a community group, called Staying Alive Thame, has been set up; their aim is to place community defibrillators throughout Thame. There’s going to be a fundraising Valentines Disco in February which we hope those who can will come along to support and have a great evening.”

If you would like to know more about this Staying Alive Thame, look them up on FaceBook or contact Thame Barns Centre on 01844 217308.

NB Although The Barns Centre’s is the first community defibrillator in Thame, Lord Williams’s school recently purchased two defibrillators for its use. One is located at Upper School on the Oxford Road, and the other is located at Lower School in Towersey Road. Both are by the main reception areas.