Orihuela adds seven more public defibrillators across municipality

Orihuela is adding seven more public defibrillators across the municipality, including a new unit at Playa Flamenca.

Four of the new devices are already installed and ready for use in La Aparecida, Entrenaranjos, Desamparados and the Playa Flamenca esplanade.

Another three will be installed in Hurchillo, Arneva and Raiguero de Bonanza over the coming weeks.

Defibrillator network expands across Orihuela and Playa Flamenca

Orihuela currently has 50 defibrillators in municipal buildings, outdoor locations and council service vehicles. Once the remaining three are installed, that number will rise to 53.

Other outdoor units have previously been installed in La Matanza, Torremendo, La Murada, Virgen del Camino and Barbarroja.

The latest expansion means more communities across the municipality will have access to the potentially life-saving equipment in the event of a cardiac emergency.

Some Local Police and Civil Protection vehicles also carry defibrillators, allowing the equipment to be taken directly to an emergency rather than relying solely on fixed locations.

Semi-automatic devices can be used without previous training

The semi-automatic devices are designed so they can be used by anyone in an emergency, even without previous training.

Once the pads are attached, the machine checks the person’s heart rhythm, gives spoken instructions and determines whether an electric shock is required.

This allows someone at the scene of a suspected cardiac arrest to begin using the equipment while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive.

The units also provide direct communication with the 112 emergency service, allowing the person using the equipment to receive assistance while medical help is on its way.

More than 450 people receive defibrillator training

Training sessions are being offered alongside the expansion of the defibrillator network, explaining how to respond to a cardiac arrest and use the equipment correctly.

More than 450 municipal workers and residents have already received training through the programme.

The combination of additional fixed defibrillators, equipment carried in emergency service vehicles and training for residents and council staff is intended to improve the response available when someone suffers a cardiac arrest.

With four of the seven new units already operational, attention will now turn to completing the installations in Hurchillo, Arneva and Raiguero de Bonanza over the coming weeks.