Fury as lout damages heart-starter machine

ANGRY . . . Councillor Dave Murphy with vandalised defibrillator in Shaw

A LOCAL councillor has hit out at "a complete and utter low life" who vandalised a defibrillator in Shaw.

Crompton Liberal Democrat councillor Dave Murphy has condemned the lout who damaged the protective box containing the lifesaving equipment attached to the Lifelong Learning Centre in Shaw.

The public device is there to save the life of anyone having a cardiac episode.

Cllr Murphy, who worked with partners to get the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) installed to the building, says someone may have been trying to steal the council-funded device.

He said: "The individual who carried out this act of vandalism is a complete and utter low life, the equipment is not that expensive to buy but is a priceless tool when it comes to saving lives.

Disbelief

"It beggars belief that someone would even think of doing such an act, I just hope that in the event of an emergency such a machine is available for their loved ones should they ever need it."

Oldham Council has confirmed that the damage was discovered on Monday morning and it was reported to the police immediately.

Cllr Murphy added: "It is still operational but you shouldn't really have to worry about something being vandalised or stolen when it is there to save lives.

"Unfortunately we don't know who did this but if anyone has got information please get in touch."

Anyone with any information about the vandalism/attempted theft is urged to contact the Neighbourhood Police Team on 0161 856 8825 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

There are a number of other defibrillators in the local area, including one at Sport Physio on Market Street, Shaw.

An AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm.

With simple audio and visual commands, AEDs are designed to be simple to use for the layperson and many local people in Shaw are trained to use them.

There are plans to introduce another AED to St Andrew's Methodist Church on Trent Road, Shaw.

Cllr Murphy added: "It is one of those things, you wish no-one would ever have to use them.

"If we never had to use any of the local defibrillators then I would be very happy.

"I would rather have it and never use it than not have it and need it.

"It's a great thing that they are there and it's really important that everyone knows they're there if needed."