COUNCILLORS are now trained to help in a first aid situation, such as giving CPR and operating a defibrillator.

It is thanks to a training session held at Whitehill Town Council offices on November 25.

David Lee, chairman of the Patient Participation Group of Badgerswood and Forest Surgeries, led the session with the assistance of Marcia Hammond.

Mr Lee said: “We tend to run courses once every two months depending on demand and vary these morning, afternoon and evening and different days of the week to try to accommodate everyone. Dr Anthony Leung frequently helps us, especially with the training of the children.

“All our courses are free although a small donation to cover costs of hall hire and consumables is always welcome. We have now trained over 500 people locally including about 200 children aged eight to 11.

“All courses are run to the standard set by the Resuscitation Council UK of which I am a member and all attendees receive a certificate.”

Andy Tree, leader of the council said they were “very grateful” to receive the training from Mr Lee and Mrs Hammond, and continued: “The local community can rely on us to know what to do if ever needed.

“I was shocked to hear that on the streets of the UK, a person has only a five per cent chance of surviving if their heart stops, whereas in Seattle the survival rate is 65 per cent.

“We were told that this is as a direct result of differences in first aid training and availability of defibrillators. I would urge everyone to get first aid training.”

Mr Lee added: “If someone who is skilled in resuscitation arrives within two minutes and a defibrillator is available within four minutes, a patient has a 65 per cent chance of survival.”

Defibrillators in the area can be found at:

*Whitehill and Bordon: Forest Surgery, Pinehill Surgery, Forest Community Centre, Phoenix Theatre, Country Market, Tesco, Mill Chase Leisure Centre, Chalet Hill Dental Centre and Blackmoor Golf Course inside the foyer.

*Lindford: Near Spar, around the corner from the Royal Exchange pub.

*Headley: The phone box near The Holly Bush, The Sports Centre and Badgerswood Surgery.

To contact Mr Lee, email [email protected]