Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Gerry Hannam has launched a Save a Life movement in the Costa del Sol. Gerry Hannam’s survival of a cardiac event in the UK was made possible because of a public defibrillator. The couple launched the Save a Life campaign only last summer. The couple’s efforts quickly gained more support than anyone could have imagined.
The original plan was to place only three units in the Sitio de Calahonda, a part of Mijas’ urbanisation. Nine months after the project began, ten defibrillators were installed in Mijas and Fuengirola. There are also four defibrillators located in Calahonda. The project was punctuated by emotional moments. Parents whose son tragically passed away at the age of two in Mijas attended the recent unveiling a unit at an Alhaurin el Grande elementary school.
Cardiac arrests occur without warning, regardless of age and fitness levels. This leaves precious little time to intervene. Although there is no guarantee of success, defibrillators are vital in many emergency situations.
“Modern defibrillators have been designed to be safe. Defibrillators cannot be used to harm anyone. Attempting to save a life – trained or not – should never be something anyone fears legal consequences for.”
“If this were a film, cardiac arrest would win the Oscar for best medical drama every year – and for good reason. As soon as it happens, time starts to tick..”
– Dr Marcus Stephan
Gerry Hannam was a strong advocate of equipping the security patrol cars at Sitio Calahonda right from the start. Last week, initial resistance was overcome by progress when the first device fitted to one of three vehicles that keep the neighbourhood safe.
Credit: S.A.L
Modern technology makes it possible for anyone to operate this equipment safely, even without a medical degree. The costs have also dropped, making it possible for local fundraisers in one night to cover all expenses. Hannams has proven this repeatedly in the last nine month.
From local to regional impact
As residents in Costa del Sol have sought to ensure greater safety for their entire community, participation in the project has become a widespread effort. Now everyone wants to be involved in order to ensure that we are all safer and receive the second chance many people do not get.
The community offers affordable lifesaving skills
Diana Wenk from Sitio De Calahonda has joined Hannam to promote upcoming CPR and AED courses. Residents can acquire essential skills in just four hours for only €35 per person, half the usual price, thanks to sponsor Diving with Nic.
Finca Nundrup provides complimentary refreshments and snacks on site.
The session is tentatively scheduled for April 18 if there is sufficient interest and availability. Many people eager to learn about this fascinating course, have already registered. They understand how these abilities could save a neighbor, friend, family or complete stranger one day. Her social media post asking participants to send direct messages or comment has sparked a surge in interest.
Save a Life is more important than ever because Spain lags far behind other countries when it comes to public access to defibrillators. Defibrillators are being installed in Costa del Sol and people are learning how to save lives. The Hannams deserve a lot of credit for their successful campaign and giving back so much to the community.
