SeaFit secures 10 life-saving automated defibrillators in Bridlington

The Fishermen’s Mission and Seafarers Hospital Society charities award-winning SeaFit service has secured 10 lifesaving automated defibrillators to support the fishing fleet in Bridlington.

The Seafarers Hospital Society kindly donated the lifesaving machines which support patients suffering a cardiac arrest by stopping and restarting the heart to restore normal rhythm.

Early treatment is the most important factor to save a life in any cardiac arrest. According to the British Heart Foundation, less than 1 in 10 people survive a sudden cardiac arrest, and research shows that with every minute that passes the survival rate reduces by 10%, yet using a defibrillator will more than likely save that life.

When seafaring vessels are up to 50 miles from land this early treatment is not available, so these defibrillators are vital in preserving life, alongside CPR. The crew of all the vessels in receipt of one of these machines will be trained in its use as well as basic life support and CPR.

These machines will be handed over in Bridlington on Thursday 7 December at 12pm. The event will include representatives from the fishing community, SeaFit and Sandra Welch, CEO from the Seafarers Hospital Society.

Richard Beecroft, from SeaFit, will also be at the event promoting the free online 15min RevivR training by the British Heart Foundation and supporting fishermen accessing this vital skill which could save the life of a crew mate or relative.

Across East and North Yorkshire, our Trust’s SeaFit health improvement practitioners work from the back of their mobile vehicle to support people from the local fishing community by addressing any health and wellbeing concerns. Working with local partners, they offer a wide variety of services including mental health support, smoking cessation, healthy eating, drug and alcohol use and preventing long-term health conditions by undertaking the NHS cardiovascular health checks, as well as regular health and body composition checks.

For more information visit the SeaFit website here.