First-aid expert who patrols Harborough town centre is setting out to buy a defibrillator – and he needs your help

A dedicated first-aid expert who patrols Market Harborough town centre is setting out to buy a defibrillator – and he needs your help.

Jack Hood-Deeks is a St John Ambulance volunteer.

And he’s been using his first-aid skills to help and treat people in Market Harborough on busy Friday and Saturday nights.

Jack carries a stash of vital kit as he responds to a whole range of call-outs and emergencies in the town centre.

But the public-spirited medic is desperately trying to generate almost £1,000 to buy a game-changing defibrillator – which could save the life of a cardiac arrest victim.

“I have an entire array of equipment and supplies.

“They include a trauma bag, burns kit, oxygen, nebulisers and medications,” said Jack.

“But the one critical piece of kit I haven’t got is an AED (automated external defibrillator).

“I will be continuing this volunteering every Friday and Saturday night to provide medical care to those people who need it.

“Already I have assisted many people with wound dressings and responded to unresponsive patients – as well as helping those who have become intoxicated.

“However, the most critically life-saving piece of equipment is something still missing from my kit – a defibrillator.

“I am currently on the pub watch radio network to respond directly to any calls for help from pubs.

“That’s also monitored from a CCTV control room – and they have sent me to anything they have seen.

“The defibrillator is able to deliver an electric shock to a patient in cardiac arrest, greatly increasing their chances of survival.

“Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR can only go so far.

“This is why I've set up this absolutely vital fundraiser.

“I am determined to try and raise enough money to buy an AED as I continue to treat and look after people in Market Harborough,” said Jack, who’s raised £705 so far.

“This device will not only be used for my volunteering in town, but also as part of my emergency 999 first responding in Market Harborough. “This is where I get alerts from East Midlands Ambulance Service to respond to cardiac arrests in the town to perform CPR before an ambulance or rapid response vehicle can arrive.

“Having a defibrillator can also be used for these calls and would be totally priceless when it comes to saving somebody’s life.”

If you would like to help Jack hit his £995 target to buy a defibrillator please visit his fundraising page here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jhd-aedfundraiser