Rothley-based charity the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT), which raises awareness of sudden heart deaths like SADS (sudden arrhythmic death syndrome), has been helping Charnwood Scouts to become heartsafe by offering specialist life-saving training in CPR and defibrillator familiarisation.

With the support of the JHMT, CPR and defibrillator training will be made available to more than 200 adults, who will pass on the skills they learn to more than 1,000 young people in Scouting in Charnwood.

And the Charnwood Scouts have recently bought two new defibrillators – one which has been installed at the local campsite Oaks in Charnwood, and one mobile defib which will be used for expeditions and events.

Through their association with the JHMT, the Scouts were able to buy the defibs at a competitive rate. An external cabinet for the campsite defib was donated by the JHMT.

Paul Smith from Charnwood Scouts said: "As part of Scouting, we offer opportunities to young people in Charnwood, which provide them with skills for life, including the Duke of Edinburgh (D of E) award.

"Leaders who supervise the expedition part of the D of E award have to take many things into consideration including the physical abilities and health needs of the young people. This year during preparations it was identified that we should have a defibrillator in the event of an emergency.

"Whilst trying to find a supplier for our own defibrillator, we came across the JHMT. After making contact with them we purchased two defibrillators.

"Also with the support of the JHMT, Charnwood Scouts are becoming heartsafe. As well as the CPR training our leaders take part in, the JHMT has helped us with training in how to use a defib, and we are now working with the JHMT to develop a badge reflecting this, which our scouts will be able to achieve."

Dr Mike Ferguson from the JHMT said: "It's great news that the Charnwood Scouts are becoming heartsafe, and that they are developing a badge for those Scouts who will have had CPR training and defibrillator familiarisation.

"We want to make sure as many young people as possible have these life-saving skills, so that it becomes the norm to have them. We're delighted to offer the training that will help them to achieve this."

Steve Humphries from the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust said: "We are proud to be working in collaboration with Charnwood Scouts to help create a heartsafe environment.

"Hundreds of young people and volunteers take part in a diverse range of learning and recreational activities as part of Scouting. It's vitally important that this fantastic worldwide movement is equipped to deal with a cardiac emergency.

"As we know, sudden cardiac arrest – including undiagnosed heart conditions like SADS – can strike fit and healthy young people without any warning. Having more people including young cubs, scouts, guides and leaders with CPR and defib skills can be the difference between life and death. Teamwork saves lives.'

As a result of the fantastic work between the JHMT and Charnwood Scouts, the rest of Leicestershire Scouts are getting defibs installed across their remaining five campsites and are looking at how to introduce these essential skills for life to more of their adults and young people.

To find out more about the work of the JHMT and how you could get free CPR training for your club or community group, visit jhmt.org.uk

Read More:
https://charnwoodscouts.org.uk/defibrillator-training/
https://charnwoodscouts.org.uk/jhmt-helps-local-scouts-to-become-heartsafe/