A local businessman who survived a cardiac arrest in Guernsey earlier this year has presented a new AED (Automated External Defibrillator) to Les Cotils.

Rick Denton was having a bacon sandwich in the coffee shop at Les Cotils when his heart stopped working properly and he collapsed. Two members of the public, Lynette Simons and Paul Hancock, started doing CPR and were quickly joined by St John Training Manager Steve Ford, who was based at the site. Steve used an AED to deliver a shock and restart Rick’s heart. Pauline Hoggart who runs the coffee shop also assisted by calling the ambulance.

The AED was on loan from the Cardiac Action Group, but following his recovery Mr Denton decided to purchase a new AED and present it to Les Cotils.

“I wanted to do something for Les Cotils and also St John to say thank you….funding a defibrillator seemed an appropriate thing to do. It means a lot me to be here and I’m pleased I’m able to present this AED as a gift today,” said Mr Denton.

Mr Denton believes defibrillators should be widely available and would like to see more businesses have one. “If we donate then we will save other people’s lives – the more trained people there are, the more access to defibrillators there are, the more lives that will be saved.”

Fiona Naftel, Managing Director of Les Cotils said: “We are really grateful to Rick for donating the AED to us. It is a special and generous gesture. Having been there and witnessed someone having a cardiac arrest and surviving it,changes the way you look at life. We are lucky to have people Paul, Lynette, Steve and Pauline who are willing to help and living in Guernsey we are also lucky to have the emergency ambulance service provided St John, able to respond so quickly.”

The AED was supplied by St John HealthCare, which sells a range of first aid, accessibility and mobility products from the shop at the Rohais. Anyone purchasing an AED from St John will also be given an hours free training on how to use a defibrillator.