We rely completely on our volunteers - known as "responders" - who are available to use the defibrillator on a rota basis by being "on call" - usually from home. We aim to provide as much cover as possible during the 24 hour period to respond to heart related 999 calls in any of our villages. We are sent by the ambulance service.
All of our responders receive regular training which is provided at no cost to them by the ambulance service. We have a total of around 25 qualified responders at any time. Thanks to them we are able to provide cover for approximately 60% of the time (day & night). Since the launch of our scheme on 1st May 2004, we have had over 20 call outs. Fortunately, none has required the use of our defibrillator, but our volunteers have been able to offer much appreciated support & reassurance prior to the arrival of an ambulance.
To secure the long term success of the scheme and to provide greater cover, we need to continue to attract new volunteers. Could you or someone you know spare a little bit of time and perhaps save a life?
Training is local and informal - we usually train in Monk Fryston Church Hall. Initial training takes about 10 hours and responders receive around 5 hours refresher training every six months after that. There is no minimum time a volunteer has to remain with the group and no minimum number of times a volunteer has to provide cover - although many choose to provide regular cover where their other commitments allow. All help is greatly appreciated.

If you can help or would like more information, please contact Heart Sparks at:-
enquiries@heart-sparks.freeserve.co.uk or telephone John on 01977 671172.

The name Heart Sparks and the logo were the result of a competition for pupils at Monk Fryston School.

A thank you!

The launch of our defibrillator scheme in May 2004 would not have been possible without the generosity and hard work of many people in all three villages and the surrounding area. Enough money was raised to purchase a life saving defibrillator machine which is now available for use at heart related 999 incidents in any of our villages. This can significantly increase the chances of survival in the case of a heart attack by getting help to the patient during the first few minutes.

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the scheme.

The original appeal to raise the money needed was started by a small group of dedicated local people who enlisted the support of their local communities. Congratulations to everyone involved.
Many of the volunteers came forward at a public meeting which was held in Monk Fryston Church Hall in November 2002.