An Ipswich cruise line firm plans to install multiple 24-hour public defibrillators after teaming up with a mum with a lifesaving mission after her daughter's cardiac arrest.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Fred. Olsen Travel, and Fred. Olsen Limited has worked together with the Heart 2 Heart charity for the past nine months with the first defibrillator installed on the gates of Fred. Olsen House in Ipswich.
Charity Heart 2 Heart was founded by Jayne Biggs in 2017, after her daughter, Violet, suffered a cardiac arrest when she was just seven.
Thankfully, Violet survived the incident, which led Jayne to undertake a mission of educating people about the importance of CPR skills and raising funds to ensure widespread availability of defibrillators.
She has now worked with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines to deliver CPR training for team members in the office and to crew and guests on board the ships.
A further six defibrillators are to be purchased and set up in their regional departure ports, travel shops, and local communities.
Jayne Biggs, the founder of Heart 2 Heart, said she is "incredibly proud" to be unveiling Fred. Olsen’s first 24/7 public defibrillator.
She added: "It’s so important that defibrillators are not confined within locked premises.
"When someone’s life hangs in the balance, it serves no purpose to have a defibrillator inaccessible behind closed doors, out of reach for anyone in need.
"I’m so passionate about sharing this knowledge to ensure others are prepared to perform life-saving CPR when confronted with an emergency.
"The positive response from guests on the ships, as well as team members, has been truly inspiring and I can’t wait to continue our partnership together."
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Steve Williams, managing director of Fred. Olsen Travel, who suffered a heart attack in December 2021, added: "I know how important it is to receive medical intervention as soon as possible.
"It really is so important to have a defibrillator located outside of our gates, accessible to everyone at any time. You really never do know when it could be required."
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