New defibrillator installed outside Derbyshire gymnastics academy after successful fundraising campaign

Dronfield Gymnastics Academy (DGA) said it received an ‘overwhelming response’ to its fundraising campaign, raising a total of £1,645 towards the life-saving piece of equipment.

The device has now been installed and is taking pride of place at the front of the club’s gym on Callywhite Lane, in Dronfield, and will be accessible for use by the public in case of an emergency.

Posting on Facebook, Clare Hague, director of Dronfield Gymnastics Academy, said: “DGA launched a fundraising campaign back in June and, thanks to its generous members and the wider community, we have raised enough money to buy one for the club which we have decided to put on the outside of the building for public use.

“We hope that no one ever needs to visit us to use it but please know that is is there if you do. Our address is Unit 12 Hunter Park, Callywhite Lane, Dronfield, S182XR.

“A big shout out to Sidey Electrical (best electricians around) who very kindly installed it for us free of charge.”

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Automated external defibrillators (AEDs), or defibrillators for short, are used to revive someone from sudden cardiac arrest by giving a high energy electric shock to the heart.

When in cardiac arrest, a person’s brain and other vital organs don't get the blood and oxygen they need – and the sooner the heart’s normal rhythm is restored, the greater the chance there won’t be any permanent damage to their brain and other organs.

However, before the new defibrillator, DGA said the the closest device to them was located at Cliffe Park and could not be accessed quickly enough by the club in an emergency.

The DGA fundraising page reads: “DGA is at the heart of the Dronfield community and we estimate that we have over 1500 people, of all ages, pass through our doors in a typical week. We also often host external events for non members, family and friends.

“The majority of our staff hold first aid qualifications and are trained in CPR. We hope that we never need to use it but having a defibrillator will add to the quality of care that we can give someone should a major incident ever occur in our vicinity.”

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