A SECOND English fishery has installed a life-saving defibrillator in case any anglers have a heart attack.
Eden Grange Fishery was presented with a defibrillator from North East Hearts With Goals charity because the venue – in Shildon, County Durham – is very rural.
The cost was about £1,000 but that’s a small price as the equipment could save a life. Cardiac arrests kill around 100,000 a year.
Fishery manger Joanne Hackett, who is trained to use a defibrillator and has had first hand CPR experience, was thrilled to receive one.
Joanne told Angler’s Mail: “The charity was established In 2013 by sisters in law Christine Stephenson and Kelly Best.
“It was set up for personal reasons, the sudden loss of Kelly’s husband and Christine’s brother Neil and the diagnosis of Kelly’s son with the heart condition ARVC.
“Neil did not come here himself but his brother is a keen match angler.
“Fisheries are often based off the beaten track and difficult to get to, so a defibrillator is an essential piece of first aid kit.
“We have had so many people who visit the fishery saying they have had heart attacks or heart problems that the families were worried about them going fishing alone in case something happens again.
“We didn’t realise how many till it was brought to our attention. This was when I spoke to Dave Mount from the Angling Trust and he said about the new charity that donated these machines.”
Joanne Hackett has taken delivery of the defibrillator to help save anglers in the event of an emergency.
Joanne added: “The defibrillator machine is an asset to the fishery.
“If nothing else, anglers who have had problems can come fishing keeping there independent knowing there is a little safe guard in place here.
“The thing is when partners tell me they are worried as their husband have had heart problems I reduce to putting a camera on them to reassure everyone back at home they are safe,” concluded Joanne.
Defibrillator means ‘peace of mind’
Hampshire’s Broadlands Lake was the first venue to get a defibrillator, two years ago.
Their move came after a 75-year-old angler died on the bank from a heart attack.
Broadlands fishery co-owner Debbie Beale said: “It’s been wonderful peace of mind for us and the anglers to have a defibrillator.
“Luckily we haven’t had to use it yet, but we will never forget that day two years ago that maybe things could have been different.
“I definitely think it should be a must for all fisheries especially as most are quite remote or rural and some are without staff. Therefore it really could save someone’s life.
“We also started the Broadlands Fishing Buddies group at the same time, which now has over 1,100 members, and they visit the fishery at the same time.
“We have lost count of how many anglers that have made friends through this group and meet on our banks.
“Just to know someone is there is a great comfort to someone fishing alone and can get help in an emergency,” added Debbie.
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