First-aider 'angry' as defibrillator left unusable

Jeni Weaver said a 23-year-old man might have died because the defibrillator had no pads

A first-aider has said she is "angry" that a defibrillator in an East Yorkshire town was left unusable over Christmas.

Jeni Weaver said she tried to use a defibrillator in Driffield on Saturday to revive a 23-year-old man.

However, Ms Weaver said there were no pads in the defibrillator so it could not be used.

FAB Training which maintains the equipment said replacement parts were not available during the Christmas period.

"I ended up having to do chest compressions to bring him back to life," Ms Weaver said.

Defibrillator kits contain pads which are placed on either side of a person's chest.

They assess the heart's rhythm and status and, if necessary, will give the person a shock.

The pads can only be used once and need to be replaced after use.

The defibrillator is on the wall outside Driffield library

Ms Weaver had previously used the defibrillator outside Driffield library on Christmas Day to assist a man who had collapsed in a pub.

Ms Weaver said, "I'd reported that the pads had been used and they needed replenishing as soon as possible because you never know when you're going to use it again."

However, Ms Weaver said when she came to use the machine again five days later on Saturday, the pads had not been replaced.

"I was angry they hadn't been replenished," Ms Weaver said.

Ms Weaver, the landlady of the Original Keys pub in Driffield, said it was fortunate she was experienced in giving CPR through her former work as a prison custody officer and as door staff.

She said the man she gave CPR to on Saturday may not have survived if she had not been available.

'Imperative'

Ms Weaver said she wanted those responsible for defibrillators to do more to ensure pads are replaced quickly after being used.

"It’s just imperative that we do whatever we can because not everybody can do CPR and, if it had been someone else, we may not have had this 23-year-old kid around today to enjoy the New Year," Ms Weaver said.

The defibrillator outside Driffield library is maintained by FAB Training.

Managing director Bruce Dougal said obtaining replacement pads for the ones used on Christmas Day was not possible due to wholesalers and delivery companies being closed during the holidays.

Mr Dougal said replacement pads have since been ordered and are expected to be delivered soon. He said there are several other defibrillators in Driffield which could be used in the meantime.