Following the failure of one of the defibrillator cabinets we monitor, a new cabinet has been installed outside Bransgore Surgery in Ringwood Road, opposite Brookside Road and the defib is back in service. Thanks to the surgery, the Parish Council and others for their ongoing assistance.

Additionally, all local public access defibrillators have been checked to see if they needed a software upgrade. Those that did, have been done and all are now back in Service.

The British Heart Foundation operate a national defibrillator network which identifies the location of defibrillators where you are. Have a look their website by clicking here. It may one day help you save a life.

As the holidays end and schools go back, it may be an ideal time to consider doing something you want to do with a few hours of your time.

We know mums and dads can be kept busy and have daytime ommitments but we would ask you to seriously consider joining our team as a Community First Responder.

You can do your volunteering while being at home doing your own thing until called by the ambulance service. Full training and uniform provided and you will have a supportive team around you. You just need to commit to doing the training over a couple of weekends AND being on call for a minimum of 20 hours a month. Have you got what it takes?

Please note that is a MINIMUM commitment, not a target. For more information call us on 0844 500 9699 or visit the Charity website by clicking here.

For medical emergencies, such as chest pain, Severe breathing difficulty, Severe blood loss, Choking or blacking out, Dial 999 immediately

For other illnesses and injuries Call 111 for advice or contact your GP or out-of-hours GP service or seek advice from your pharmacist for self-care, Make your own way to your local A&E, minor injuries unit or walk-in centre for minor injuries.

Mike & the team