The team at Venture Caravans are proud to have been involved in donating a defibrillator and bleed control pack to serve the needs of the canal directly behind our premises at our Daventry branch.
Situated on the towpath of Watford Locks, the defibrillator and bleed control packs are both potentially lifesaving additions to this busy stretch of canal located on the Leicester Line of the Grand Union Canal.
Installed near to where the canal towpath is crossed by the long distance footpath, Jurassic Way, this area sees high volumes of traffic due to its popularity with walkers, in addition to its use by boaters.
Designed for emergency use, a defibrillator is a device that applies an electric charge or current to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat. If the heart rhythm stops due to cardiac arrest, a defibrillator may help it start beating again.
Also designed for emergency use, a bleed control pack equips the user with the necessary tools and supplies to quickly manage life-threatening bleeding until professional medical assistance arrives.
Available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, this new equipment will ensure both canal users and our own team are equipped to respond to any emergency promptly and effectively.
Venture Caravan’s involvement in the donation of the defibrillator and bleed control pack comes after we were approached by Mike Dex, one of the Canal & River Trust volunteers at Watford Locks. Mike and his fellow volunteer, John Carvell were looking for donations to assist in bringing this vital kit to the canal. As our Daventry branch is located so close to the canal, we were more than happy to be involved and made up the shortfall to purchase and have this medical equipment installed.
By providing this donation, Venture Caravans joined Friends of Danetre Hospital, Watford Parish Council, Inland Waterways – Northampton Branch, Lorax Compliance Ltd. and Northants First Responders in assisting with the purchase of this equipment.
Commenting on the installation of the defibrillator, Venture Caravans director, Dave Brown had to say the following: “Having been located adjacent to the canal since 1971, we didn’t have to think twice about getting involved in the donation of this lifesaving equipment. We know just how busy the canal gets and how much of a much-needed addition this is to the tow path. We would like to say a big thank you to the volunteers from the Canal & River Trust for their work in bringing this equipment to the area.”
Defibrillator address: Watford Lock 2 Watford Locks, Watling Street, Watford, NN6 7UJ
You will be able to see the location of the new defibrillator and bleed control pack in relation to Venture Caravans on the map below.
