Shaw and Crompton Liberal Democrats get Defibrillator on Shaw Life long Learning Centre

Defib on LLL HS

Councillors Diane Williamson and Howard Sykes MBE are delighted that a defibrillator has been installed on the Shaw Lifelong Learning Centre, High Street, Shaw.

Councillor Williamson, Shadow Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Co-operatives, speaking for her colleagues, said: “Absolutely delighted that this has happened.  Over the last year, the Liberal Democrats have been proactive on the Council in asking for a number of initiatives, which include first aid training for all school children and defibrillators to be installed in Council buildings.  The Lifelong Learning Centre is such a prominent location that it was a no brainer when deciding on the location.”

Approximately 100,000 people a year die after having a sudden cardiac arrest with the survival rate for out of hospital cardiac arrest being less than 10%.  If a defibrillator is used in conjunction with CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), then this can increase the survival rate to over 70%”.

Local Shaw Councillor Howard Sykes, added “Whilst anyone can use an AED*, because you are talked through how to use the device, the staff at the Centre will also be trained how to use it and what to do in an emergency”.

*Automated External Defibrillator is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm. 

With simple audio and visual commands, AEDs are designed to be simple to use for the layperson, and the use of AEDs is taught in many first aid, certified first responder, and basic life support (BLS) level cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes.

 

PUBLIC NOTICE – FAO KERSHAW STREET RECYCLING SITE USERS

After removal No 2 (3)

Please be aware Oldham Council have removed the recycling site due to bins being constantly contaminated and fly tipping.

The nearest alternative site is at ASDA Shaw (Located off Greenfield Lane)

If you require any recycling containers for your personal use please contact Oldham Council on 0161-770-6644 or email waste@oldham.gov.uk

Before No 2 (3)

 

Ashworth Court Bin Shed Doors, Shaw Town Centre

bin-store-door

Your local Liberal Democrat Borough and Parish Councillors have finally after months of requests had First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) place temporary wooden doors on the bin sheds.

This has resulted in a drop in Anti-Social Behaviour in Shaw Town centre and less fly tipping in the area. The Oldham Council collection team are now removing less waste from the sheds.

The next step is to quickly work with FCHO to install permanent secure metal doors that will continue the positive effects of having new doors to which local residents have been extremely pleased with.

Reservoir danger

No swimming image

Reservoir rangers talk about the dangers they see daily

Now we’re into the Summer holidays, United Utilities is reminding the public that reservoirs are deep, freezing and deadly, and people should not onsider swimming in them.

This year some of its reservoir rangers – the people on the front line as the first point of contact for the many visitors to reservoirs – have been recalling incidents they have witnessed where people, often unknowingly, have put themselves or others in real danger of serious injury or death.

For example a father teaching his young son how to ‘tombstone’ (jumping or diving from a height into water) into icy water; teenagers taking to the water while under the influence of alcohol and a family who have quickly found themselves out of their depth on a cheap and flimsy inflatable boat.

These are just some of the incidents encountered by United Utilities’ rangers as they patrol the region’s reservoirs over the summer months.

There were a total of 381 drownings and water-related deaths across the UK in 2013, with over half in inland waters, such as reservoirs, lakes and rivers. Reservoirs in particular, with their sudden drops, hidden machinery, unpredictable currents and freezing water can be fatal for those who ignore the warning signs.

There are more than 180 reservoirs in the North West, which frequently attract risk-taking swimmers when the weather heats up.

Tia Dawson is a ranger in Greater Manchester and she can recall many stories about people taking risks around reservoirs.

“I’ve seen people taking terrible risks tombstoning from cliffs and high places into reservoirs, it seems to be the latest craze. It’s incredibly dangerous – they have no idea what’s under the water, or what temperature it could be.

“One of the most extreme things I’ve seen was two teenage lads who stripped off and were about to jump off one of our valve towers, there are pipes under the surface which draw water at high pressure, it was awful to see. I had to get the police involved who stopped them going in the water. It’s just as well, I remember thinking at the time: “that’s it, if they go in there, they’re never coming out.

“Another one that had to be seen to be believed was a Dad was teaching his son, who about 8 how to tombstone into the water off a nearby cliff. When I approached him, he said he’d been doing it all his life. I talked to him about the dangers and I really hope he listened.

“People also suffer terrible injuries from falling onto hidden objects, there was an incident I remember where a lad jumped off some steps, aiming for the water, and ended up landing on hidden steps below, breaking several limbs in the process.

“People just don’t seem to understand the dangers”.

Steve Hardcastle from United Utilities’ Health and Safety team said: “These are not isolated incidents and whilst we are looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to our reservoir sites this summer, we only have one condition – please stay out of the water. The last thing we want is for a fun day out to turn into a tragedy.

“While teenagers are statistically the most likely to put themselves in harm’s way, we have seen adults and even parents with young children taking the plunge, not realising just how much danger they are in. The risks of reservoir swimming are very real and we want to people to stay safe.”

Greater Manchester is pleased to support United Utilities, emergency services, schools and other organisations to raise awareness of the dangers of swimming in reservoirs.

The hard hitting facts are:

  • Reservoir temperatures rarely get above 10 degrees, even in summer. They are cold enough to take your breath away, make your arms and legs numb, and induce hypothermia.
  • Reservoirs are often extremely deep, with sudden drops you cannot see.
  • There may be hidden currents from water pipes below the surface.
  • Hidden obstacles, such as machinery for water treatment, broken glass or other rubbish, is commonplace.
  • It’s hard to get out. The sides of reservoirs are often very steep.
  • Invisible algae can often build up at the water edge, producing toxins that cause skin rashes and stomach upsets.
  • Reservoirs are often in isolated places. If you get into trouble, there may be no one around to help.

UN130703_Reservoir_Safety_Poster_A3_31