Final Ashmores meeting and First Responders

Thursday 3rd July 2025- Trent First Responders –– Dee Gladden 

President Gail confirmed to the 43 audience that this would be our last meal at Ashmores Restaurant, as Mark and Jo were retiring, then handed over to Dee for her presentation.

Dee had brought with her an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and ‘Resusci Annie’, as she feels that seeing one of our members use the device will be much more memorable than her just talking about its’ operation.  Consequently, she was looking for a volunteer and Mary stepped up to the line, to be assisted by Gerry S from Stage Right carrying the AED.  Mary rose to the occasion, shouting “help, help”, causing Gerry to saunter up with the device. Dee then talked Mary through the demonstration, explaining that the unit would give her clear instructions, attaching the pads to Resuscie Annie and pressing buttons according to the instructions.  She also mentioned that the bag would also have scissors to cut off clothing, if required and a razor to shave off hair if a patient had a hairy chest, as the pads had to be attached to the skin. A green start button had to be pressed for the application of CPR (cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), and this was accompanied by pushing a blue button which gave a pulsing sound to indicate the frequency of the ‘presses’ to the chest. Dee mentioned that singing of such songs as ‘staying alive’ should not accompany the CPR as it could be insensitive to relatives.  She also recommended that 30 compressions to 2 breaths was the normal rate for best recovery.  She also mentioned that some former patients have purchased their own personal AED (cost about £1k). A number of questions followed which Dee handled very efficiently, with some debate as to how our Rotary Club could perhaps get a map produced as to where AEDs are sited in our main towns and villages.

Chris S the gave the Vote of thanks confirming that David V did not write the ‘demonstration play’ and if you’re not feeling well “watch out for Mary!!”. He reminded us all that the Trent First Responders recently celebrated their 10^TH Anniversary of serving the community and is operated solely by volunteers and funded by donations, which requires about £1k per month, so our Clubs contribution is appreciated. He also said how much they had supported the Clubs Christmas Float and EBGC collections and thanked Dee for her demonstration and offer to bring more AEDs to do a more interactive workshop, and members joined in with the usual warm round of applause.

To cap it off Jane presented Dee with a cheque for £701 for their support at our successful Swimathon event in March.

‘Final meal’ activities then began with Rob offering very kind words to Mark and Jo for their excellent service, which was quickly followed by a poem by Maggie with a similar theme and a flower presentation, finally President Gail presented some cut glass.  Jo and Mark were suitably embarrassed and very grateful for all the kind words.                    AR