Learn to save a life this new year

A defibrillator, left, and Councillor Neil Maher, a former NHS worker

Every New Year many people decide to challenge themselves by learning a new skill. So, as we celebrate the start of 2024, Westhoughton residents are being encouraged to learn how to save a life.

Westhoughton councillor Neil Maher is leading a Westhoughton Town Council project to ensure every part of the town has an accessible defibrillator.

Defibrillation is a treatment for life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, and a defibrillator delivers a dose of electric current to the heart.

Now the town council has teamed up with North West Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust to provide two free training courses for anyone interested in learning how to use a defibrillator.

Neil, who had a 20-year-long career in the ambulance service, said: “By knowing how to use a defibrillator effectively, you could become a life saver. That’s why I’m delighted that we’re able to provide this training for residents.”

The training is open to any members of the public aged 11 years and upwards.

Residents who complete the training will receive a Certificate of Attendance at the end of the session.

Sessions are taking place on Tuesday 30 January at 7pm and Saturday 3 February at 2pm. Both sessions are in the Carnegie Hall.

Contact Pauline Rowley, Westhoughton Town Clerk, to sign up for one of the sessions by email at townclerk@westhoughtontc.gov.uk or by calling or texting 07921862603.