The two public access defibrillators (PAD) fitted in the village are now operational, having been registered with the North East Ambulance Service. They are located at the Cricket Club (on the front of the pavilion, facing the main cricket pitch) and at the Golf Club (on the club house facing the road).

This is not a guide to first aid or to using a PAD but if someone is not breathing normally and is not moving or responding to you after an accident, call 999 for an ambulance. Then, if you can, start CPR (or Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) straight away. The ambulance service will, if necessary, tell you the location of the closest PAD and give you the code to open the cabinet. Don’t stop CPR to get the PAD – send someone else. If there is nobody else, keep doing CPR. The PADs are automatic - you just need to follow the instructions.

The PADs have been acquired by working with the Stephen Carey Fund and through generous donations from residents, Tynedale Lions and Cllr Anne Dale. The cabinets are green and at night their presence is indicated by a green light. The Parish Council’s Chair, Maggi Hunt, said “We’re proud to be one of the first places in Tynedale to have community public access defibrillators. We’re very grateful to those residents who so generously gave a donation, and to the two clubs for allowing the cabinets to be sited there.”

The Stephen Carey Fund has provided familiarisation sessions at the Cricket Club and will run another session at the Golf Club later in the year. Once arranged it will be advertised on the website.