Calahonda family starts defibrillator revolution across Costa del Sol

Local heroes Gerry and Jenny Hannam have ignited a lifesaving movement across the Costa del Sol with their Save a Life campaign. Gerry’s survival from a cardiac arrest in the UK, made possible by a public defibrillator there, led the couple to launch the initiative only last summer. Community support quickly boomed beyond anyone’s first expectations with their efforts.

Plans originally focused on only placing three units in Sitio de Calahonda within the Mijas urbanisation. Nine months later and success has seen ten defibrillators installed throughout Mijas, Fuengirola and Alhaurin el Grande, including four right in Calahonda with many more planned across the Costa del Sol. Heartfelt moments have punctuated the project, including the attendance of parents whose young son from Mijas tragically died aged two at the recent unveiling of a unit in an Alhaurin el Grande school, demonstrating that a cardiac arrest can strike at any time of life.

Cardiac arrests strike without warning regardless of age or fitness levels, leaving precious little time for intervention. Defibrillators provide crucial assistance in many emergencies, although success remains no guarantee, but faced with a life-or-death situation, everyone would choose to have a defibrillator.

“Modern defibrillators are designed to be safe. You cannot harm someone by using one. Attempting to save a life – trained or not – should never be something anyone fears legal consequences for.”
“If this were a film, cardiac arrest would win the Oscar for best medical drama every year – and for good reason. The moment it happens, the clock starts ticking.”
– Dr Marcus Stephan

Gerry Hannam particularly championed equipping security patrol cars in Sitio de Calahonda from the outset. Initial resistance gave way to progress last week when the first device was fitted into one of the three vehicles used to keep the neighbourhood safe.

Advanced technology now allows anyone to operate these units safely without specialist medical qualifications. Costs have plummeted too, enabling local fundraisers to cover expenses easily in a night. That much the Hannams have proven time and again in the last nine months.

From local vision to regional impact

Participation in the project has snowballed into a regional effort as residents across the Costa del Sol seek greater safety for everyone in their communities. Everyone now wants to get involved and ensure we all remain safer and get the second chance so many do not.

Community event offers affordable life-saving skills

Local volunteer Diana Wenk, based in Sitio de Calahonda, has joined the Hannam team to promote an upcoming certified CPR and AED course. Residents can acquire essential skills in just four hours for only €35 per person, half the usual price, thanks to sponsor Diving with Nic.

Complimentary drinks and snacks come courtesy of Finca Naundrup at the venue itself.

Organisers tentatively schedule the session for April 18, subject to sufficient interest and availability. Many eager to learn from the amazingly fascinating course have already signed up, recognising how these abilities might one day rescue a neighbour, friend, family member or complete stranger on the road. Interest has boomed following her social media post calling for participants to comment or send a direct message.

Spain lags behind many countries in public access to defibrillators, making initiatives like Save a Life all the more vital. Word continues to spread about getting defibrillators installed and learning to save lives throughout the Costa del Sol. Hats off to the Hannams for such a successful campaign that is giving so much back to the community.