Staff trained in how to use life-saving equipment

Staff at two York primary schools have been trained in how to use potentially life-saving defibrillators.

The equipment has been installed by construction and facilities management company Sewell Group, at St Oswald’s CE Primary School in Heslington Lane and St Barnabas CE Primary School in Leeman Road. They will be used in school, as well as by members of the community, if needed.

Rupert Griffiths, Headteacher at St Oswald’s CE Primary School, said: “It’s great  Sewell Group is putting defibrillators into the schools and our staff have the opportunity to be trained in how to use them.

“From what I know, these devices save lives. It’s not long ago that we had some first aid training in school and they talked about defibrillators. I thought then it would be good for the school to have one, so it’s great for us and the community.

“This is part of a long-standing, estates partnership with  Sewell Group that works extremely well and the defibrillators are a good example of how that relationship can have benefits for everybody.”

Sewell Group has invested in the defibrillators and the necessary training for  30 staff over a two to three-hour period on Tuesday, September 22. This includes teachers and Sewell facilities officers, who are based on in the York schools.

Graham Atkins, Director at the Sewell Group, said: “We are providing two defibrillators because it is something we felt would benefit the schools and their local communities.

“They are life-saving machines which make a difference and they say every workplace should have one.

“One at a neighbouring school saved a child’s life. These occasions are rare, but they are there and they could save lives.”

Sewell Group provides construction and facilities management services to schools across the Yorkshire and Humber region.  Sewell is City of York Council’s PFI partner at St Oswalds Primary School, St Barnabas CE Primary School and Hob Moor Children’s Centre.