A once neglected traditional red phone box has been brought back into use – as a potential lifesaver!
The phone box, on the corner of Slag Lane and Crow Wood Lane, was decommissioned and the phone removed, but one local group of clever locals didn’t want to see this old treasure going to waste.
And so, it was adopted by the Lowton West Defibrillator Fund who have worked hard to raise enough cash to realise their ambition and the great news is that now a 24-hour Public Access Defibrillator point has been installed – which could, ultimately, end up saving lives.
What is a defibrillator and how is it used?
Inside the phone box is a coded access secure cabinet that contains the defibrillator. To access the unit a user needs to dial 999 or 112 and ask for the ambulance service. They will then be given the access code so that the caller can take the defibrillator. While an ambulance is sent to help the casualty, the caller has access to the lifesaving defibrillator to begin the essential resucitation without any further delay. And in the case of a cardiac arrest, minutes really make a difference.
The defibrillator unit has replaced the old telephone handset in the Slag Lane telephone box.
Using a defibrillator is easier than you think
There’s no need for the person using the defibrillator to have any medical knowledge, previous experience of using the equipment or special training. The unit itself will talk you through exactly what you need to do – it’s actually very simple. You don’t need to worry about using the unit – even if you are not 100% sure the patient has suffered a heart attack, the unit will only administer a shock when it detects that one is needed.
Defibrillators like this are saving lives in an emergency – and one day could help you or one of your loved ones, in the event of a cardiac emergency.
What’s next for the Defibrillator Fund?
The members of the Fund have worked hard repairing the box ready for the installation of the defibrillator. The box itself is still in need of a lick of paint to restore it to its full glory, and the volunteers plan to do this as soon as the weather is nice enough. They are also still fundraising to cover the ongoing costs of maintaining the defibrillator – such as insurance and replacing batteries and adhesive contact pads should the unit be used.
This old red phonebox on Slag Lane in Lowton hs been given a new lease of life as a defibrillator cabinet
How can I support the fund raising efforts?
In order to raise funds, the Lowton West Defibrillator Fund are hosting a concert by Wigan Ukulele Band in the Independent Methodist Church on Saturday 25 January at 7.30pm. Admission is just £5, or £3 for children. Call 07778959401 to buy tickets, or pay on the door.
You can also read more about the defibrillator fundraising and how to make a donation on the Lowton West Defibrillator Fund website.