Village gets new defib thanks to company donation

A lifesaving defibrillator has been installed in the village of Church Fenton, North Yorkshire thanks to a donation by local company, RJC Plant Services Ltd.

RJC Plant Services, a waste management company based in Church Fenton, near Selby contacted the local parish council to offer the donation following one of their staff collapsing at work and fears they had experienced a heart attack.

Councillor Samantha Charlston who is chair of Church Fenton parish Council thanked the local business for their generous donation when the defibrillator was officially installed in the village:

“We are extremely grateful to RJC for funding this third defibrillator. Being in a rural community we’re conscious that if a medical emergency does occur, having equipment to hand like a defib is essential for the safety and wellbeing of our residents and could save lives in the future.”

The plant services business has a reputation for supporting good causes and giving back to the local community and has recently been announced a finalist in the Good Neighbour category in this year’s BBC Radio York’s Make A Difference Awards for their good deeds.

Zena Jackson, spokesperson for RJC added: “When we feared the worst for one of our colleagues last year, we realized the importance and value having a defibrillator within close proximity could have for the community. Thankfully our staff member was ok and was taken to the local hospital, however now there is a reassurance for local residents and businesses that we do have access to the equipment that could save precious time and ultimately lives.”

Church Fenton residents are now serviced by three defibrillators, and as part of the installation, the parish council is providing training to the local community on how to use the medical equipment.