Dear Partner,



As you will be aware there is a concern about the spread of Coronavirus in the UK. Part of the steps being taken to reduce the spread and likelihood of infection is cleaning of hands and surfaces, and also reducing the potential for contact amongst people.





The following video by the BBC is particularly useful and informative:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/embed/p085llls/51787238



This may impact upon your community. To act as a precaution against this, we may feel it is necessary to postpone community training and awareness seminars if either trainer is unable or unwilling to partake, or where the community has concerns over a public gathering, and may wish to postpone the session until this immediate crisis is over. Many of our trainers are themselves healthcare workers and may also be called in at short notice to assist in the treatment of patients, and therefore will be both unable to attend or be in isolation. Any decision to postpone will be taken in consultation with you.





In the current climate, those with underlying illnesses, such as COPD, severe asthma, and with existing colds/flu should not attend sessions. Our trainers will ensure the training equipment is clean and has been wiped with soap/water and bleach, or anti-bacterial wipes, and will not be asking any person attending to partake in any rescue breath scenarios.





In addition, may we also suggest that these additional steps are taken as part of your weekly checks on the defibrillator equipment:





1. Wear disposable gloves

2. Clean the cabinets/wall rack and contents with an anti-bacterial wipe, or a mild solution of soap and bleach using a damp (not wet) cloth.

3. Clean the actual defibrillator similarly, again using a damp cloth, not wet.

4. Dry both using disposable towel or tissues if required.

5. If you have an emergency 999 telephone, this will also need wiping down.

6. Dispose of the cloth and disposable gloves afterwards

7. Wash your hands





For more information please do look at the NHS 111 website, and if you feel unwell, contact 111, and do not attend any community training or awareness sessions.





Thank you for your understanding at this time. Yours,



The Community Heartbeat Trust charity



The UK’s leading charity in the provision of community defibrillator solutions (cPAD). 08/03/20

Registered office: 78 Loughborough Road, Quorn, Leicestershire, LE12 8DX Registered Charity No. 1132824.

Operations office:, PO Box 168, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 1AX

Patrons: Sir Michael Grandage, Sir Derek Jacobi, Jude Law, Simon Weston OBE, Prof Matt Griffiths