Life-saving defibrilltor donated by HART

The presentation on Friday of the defibrillator from HART (Henfield Area Response Team) was made by founder Dave Fletcher to proprietor Jenny Tooley.

More than half a dozen staff at the pub have been trained to use the machine in the case of a cardiac arrest.

Jenny said: “Being in a remote spot means emergency services take longer to get to us and this defibrillator gives us a chance to act in an emergency before a responder or ambulance gets to us.”

The pub will be raising funds for HART with a cider celebration day on Friday March 1. (Call 01273 857382)

The Shepherd and Dog’s wall-mounted defibrillator is in addition to the one in the village hall installed recently.

More than 50 villagers in Fulking have received training in their use from HART.

Fulking resident Tricia Robinson, a health visitor, nurse and midwife for 42 years - and based at Henfield Medical Centre since 1986 - has co-ordinated the training.

Her daughter Lucie died, aged 24, two years ago after a Sunday morning emergency in which she was revived by Tricia - but sadly died a week later.

“It has been since then I have wanted as many people as possible to be trained in resuscitation techniques,” says Tricia.

Tricia, who has lived in Fulking for 22 years, has given money in Lucie’s memory for the defibrillator cases and villagers have also raised funds.

HART founder Dave Fletcher, an award-winning paramedic, took the instruction classes over three weekends at the village hall assisted by other HART responders.

“Tricia and the people of Fulking have shown great initiative and the defibrillators will be ideally located in this remote area,” says Dave. “Being able to use defibrillators is a major step in helping where heart failure has occurred.”

People living in Edburton and Poynings will also benefit from the Fulking scheme.

Pictured is Jenny Tooley receiving the defibrillator at The Shepherd and Dog, Fulking, from HART’s Dave Fletcher. Photo by Mike Beardall, Oakfield Media