Denton defib delight as lifesaving equipment replaced

THE REPLACEMENT of a defibrillator in Denton town centre means more people can be accessed by lifesaving equipment if needed.

The device in the Civic Square had been found to be at the end of its life.

On inspection the battery had expired. It’s taken some time to replace because the defunct parts were not replaceable.

But Tameside Council has taken on the cost of replacing both the defibrillator and the box.

It has also agreed to replace the battery and pads when necessary.

The defibrillator on Civic Square in Denton

“It’s really important to have the defib back in Civic Square,” said Denton North East councillor Allison Gwynne.

“It’s been used to save lives in the past and there’s a need for it because it’s at a nice, accessible location and people know it’s there.

Cllr Allison Gwynne chatting with Gary Carter

“If something happens in the vicinity, they know where to come – it saves lives.

“Originally, it was fundraised for several years back and having been used over time parts degenerate and technology moves on.

“It was decided it was at the end of its life span, so the cabinet and the machine needed replacing.

“Tameside Council took on the maintenance of the unit and as it came to the end of its life span, it replaced it.

“They took it away as there was concern over the integrity of the whole unit.”

The unit has also been registered with The Circuit, the national Defibrillator network, and access instructions are on the front of the box for the public to use.