In Dunton Green the Parish Council has (to date) funded the provision of FOUR Public Access Defibrillators (PADs). The Parish Council maintains these with the assistance of the Sevenoaks Community First Responders, who keep a check on them and make sure that we know when batteries and pads need replacing. The defibrillators are also registered with Southeast Coast Ambulance Service, so if you are a 999 caller they can direct you, if needed, to the nearest defibrillator.

All these defibrillators are located outside and are in unlocked heated cabinets which are easily publicly accessible (24/7). They are placed in the following locations:

• Dunton Green Pavilion, Recreation Ground. The defib cabinet is on the wall of the Pavilion, opposite the tennis court.

• Dunton Green Village Hall, London Road (next to the War Memorial). The defib cabinet is located on the front wall of the hall.

• The Bed Shop, Broadway Parade, London Road. The defib cabinet is located on the outside wall of The Bed Shop (next to Bojangles).

• The Gym, Campion Square, Ryewood. The defib cabinet is located on an outside wall (facing Rye Lane).

Myths dispelled!

YOU MIGHT HURT SOMEONE WHEN USING THE DEFIB. You CANNOT cause someone harm by using a defibrillator. These remarkable pieces of kit know whether someone needs defibrillation. If they do, the machine will discharge a current. If they do not need defibrillating, the defib will not shock them.

YOU NEED TRAINING TO USE ONE. No, these machines will guide you through what you need to do. There are instructions on the pads regarding placement of them and there is a voice that will guide you through what needs doing. Understandably, you may be nervous about using the defibrillator, but it is better to try than not. If you can, use basic CPR techniques until you can use the defibrillator. More information on CPR here: https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/how-to-do-cpr

The Parish Council has provided free training sessions previously and will look to do this again, in conjunction with Sevenoaks CFR. In the meantime, there are free training sessions available from various organisations. The latest one is being run by Kent Fire &Rescue Service in Sevenoaks in July - detais here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cpr-and-defibrillator-session-tickets-157765744589 .The date may change following the extension of the current period of restrictions but follow the link for information or to book.

We hope that you never need to these PADs, but they are provided by Dunton Green Parish Council for the health & safety of the community. Thank you to the Sevenoaks CFR team for the continued support and assistance.