THE need to maintain the Island’s growing network of defibrillators has come under the spotlight after a potentially life-saving piece of equipment was unavailable during a medical emergency at Havre des Pas.
The de-fib machine at the popular sea water pool was behind an out-of-order sign when a man had a fall as he left the area after swimming. It has since been restored to service.
Although Rod Eldred (82) did not end up needing the device, and was found to be fit after a check-up at the General Hospital, concerns have been raisedabout what could have happened.
Mr Eldred, a regular swimmer at Havre des Pas, said he had been leaving the lido on his electric bike when his wheel caught the pavement as he turned onto the road, causing him to fall.
“I think I went into shock a bit, but there were several kind people who helped me, including the lifeguard and someone who called an ambulance. Luckily there were no injuries, just the shock, but it could have been serious if someone had a heart attack and the machine was out-of-order.”
Regular swimmers at the pool said they believed the case housing the de-fib machine had not been working for several weeks, although the device is meant to be checked every week.
They pointed out that while the lifeguard on duty had a portable machine, which could have been used if necessary, the site did not have lifeguard cover for the majority of the week.
Posts on social media drew a swift response from Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan on Sunday. Writing on X, formerly Twitter, he said: “Clearly it’s not acceptable – I was made aware earlier this afternoon and will ensure it is rectified ASAP.”
In a further statement issued yesterday, Mr Jehan confirmed that officers had been informed that the de-fib cabinet could not be accessed last Wednesday and had informed the group responsible for its maintenance.
He said: “This particular defibrillator does not belong to Jersey Property Holdings and we do not maintain it. I understand a check of the device has now been completed, along with a full clean, and we can confirm that the unit is now accessible and in full working order.”
Other defibrillator sites were being checked, Mr Jehan added.
Mr Eldred returned to the pool yesterday for his regular swim, none the worse after the incident on Sunday.
