Lifesaving equipment installed in local shops.

Wherever you are in Acocks Green Village, you’re never too far away from a device that could save your life.

Acocks Green Village BID (Business Improvement District) recently installed two automated external defibrillators (AEDs); a device used to restart the heart of a patient in cardiac arrest. One device was purchased by the BID through fundraising whilst the second placement has been supported by West Midlands Ambulance Service. Both are situated in shops either end of the village, one in Dazzle and one in Costa.

The ambulance service recently trained 14 locals in first aid and how to use their life saving devices. Andy Jeynes, the Trust’s Community Response Manager, said: “The people trained included all the staff from the BID, a number of shop owners, local police officers, Councillor John O’Shea, as well as the villages’ security guard. It’s a fantastic achievement for the village of Acocks Green and we’re pleased to support this proactive and tight-knit community.”

Sandy Gianni, BID Manager, said: “We’re really proud to have these in our village and I think every town should have them. What’s been brilliant is that everyone has got behind the initiative and helped to contribute to the purchase of the defibrillator. Not only have all of the local businesses contributed collectively via the BID levy, but our local Sainsbury’s gave a large donation and members of the public were also very generous at the BID’s community fundraising events. Local Councillors also successfully approved a bid to provide further funding from the Acocks Green Community Chest which we’re also grateful for.

“It’s really important we have these life saving devices in the village, simply because we want to look after our local residents and visitors. If anyone suffers a cardiac arrest, we want to be able to look after them on the spot until the ambulance service gets here.”