Issue - meetings

The Council had provided community accessible defibrillators across West Lindsey since 2016. Since launching the scheme the Authority had installed over 75 defibrillators.

On 23^rd April 2020 an updated Community Defibrillator Scheme was approved by delegated decision to include the provision of a maintenance service to be provided by the Council. The Delegated Decision Notice requested that Full Council be presented with a recommendation to approve the new annual maintenance fee of £100.

Members gave consideration to a report which proposed the introduction of this new fee.

Debate ensued and Members could not speak more positively or passionately about the scheme, its necessity and the difference such machines could make especially in rural locations and communities, and in times when ambulance services were at their most stretched.

Members noted the benefits the maintenance scheme afforded such as ensuring the assets remained in working order.  Members considered the fee to be a reasonable one in response to questions, Members were advised how the machines functionality was tested, what actions were taken once a machine had been deployed and how quickly the machine became operative again once used, usually 24 to 48 hours following automatic notification.  Members were also advised there was an easy to use on-line reporting tool to report any concerns “guardians” had regarding their machines.

Further questions were asked in respect of training and it was noted that whilst training was usually offered to “guardians” on installation, current restrictions had made this offer difficult.   Officers were also mindful that people “moved on” and training and knowledge was not always passed on.  It was hoped that a series of on-line videos could be made and “cluster” training events organised once current restrictions eased.

The Leader suggested Communications Officers provide template letters that parishes could use in local magazines to promote the scheme.  Caution was expressed in not over promising delivery as sites needed to have minimum spec to host a defibrillator.

In response to further questions Officers undertook to circulate a map of the district, detailing the locations of WLDC installed defibrillators.  It was also suggested the website be updated to reflect the current number of installations as this page appeared to be out of date.

Having being proposed and seconded, on being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED that the new fee of £100 per annum for the Community Defibrillator Scheme, be approved for immediate implementation.