Bystanders Can Be Lifesavers

 

The current resolution calls on WI members to work together to increase public confidence and training in the delivery of CPR and to work with local organisations to help improve access to defibrillators in their communities.

 

There are more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests a year in the UK and less than 1 in 10 survive, with women having a lower chance of surviving than men.  CPR & defibrillation can more than double the chances of survival.

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Multiple studies have consistently shown that people are less likely to perform CPR on women compared to men in emergency situations. As a result, the British Heart Foundation has estimated that more than 8,200 women in England and Wales could have survived cardiac arrest if they had been given the same treatment as men between 2003 and 2013. This difference is often due to fear of having to remove a bra and expose a woman's breasts and as, historically, only male mannequins have been used in training, people haven't been able to have a conversation about the differences in dealing with men & women and their fears.

 

Here at Holmfirth WI we are aiming to raise £3000 in 2026 to buy a new defibrillator for the Holmfirth area.  We are in contact with the local First Responders to see where a new defib would be best sited and how we can best spend any money we have left over.  

 

We have quite a lot of events planned over the next few months for our members but we also have some public facing events as well, so keep a look our for us ...

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• We have created a map that shows where the local defibrillators are sited.  This map is going "on tour" so can be seen in a variety of places through-out the year - Sid's Cafe, Holme Valley Campsite, Unity Yard, Holmfirth Methodist Church & others.
   

• Our Craft Group are busy making hearts and seasonal items that are being sold in a number of places around the town.  As this is being written they are available at Brooklands Garden Centre, the Wool Shop in FairTrader, Unity Yard & Sid's Cafe.
   

• On 16th May our Gardening Group will be holding a plant stall in the courtyard between the Parish Church and Sid's Cafe.
   

• We are creating a 'Heart Trail' for 5th July (Duck Race day).  You will be able to buy a Clue Sheet for £1 from the Library and WI members around the town.  When you have found all the hearts and worked out what phrase they spell, you can submit your answer online to be included in the prize draw.
   

• Want something to do over the summer months?  Some of our members are creating a Mystery Trail around Holmfirth.  You will be able to buy the trail at the Library, from members and on this page from July.
   

• On 12th September we will be hosting a Tea & Cake morning in the Library where we will also have a stall full of homemade bakes, jams and crafts.  All are welcome to call in.
   

• During the Holmfirth Walking Festival in October one of our members will be leading our newly devised 'Defibrillator Walk' which takes in 10 of the defibs in Holmfirth, Netherthong, Brockholes & Wooldale.

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If you want to donate to our cause you can -

go to our JustGiving Page by clicking here