Cliff Jordan from Nailsworth Phoenix and the Stroud District Table Tennis Partnership has been shining a light on something that could be a game-changer in emergencies: defibrillators. While you might never expect an emergency to happen during a Table Tennis match, sudden cardiac arrest can strike at any time, and having a defibrillator nearby could make all the difference.

Cliff hopes to encourage clubs across the South West and ensure people know how to use them. It’s all about being prepared — because you never know when you might need to take action.

Photo credit: British Heart Foundation

Why It’s Worth Thinking About

It’s easy to assume that emergencies won’t happen, but when they do, the time to act is often very short. Having access to a defibrillator can be the difference between life and death, but it’s not just about having one on the wall — it’s about knowing where it is and feeling confident in how to use it if you ever need to.

Cliff’s message is simple: knowing what to do can make a real impact, and training can give you that confidence.

A Few Questions to Consider:

Take a moment and ask yourself:

• Do you know where your nearest defibrillator is located?
  It’s always good to know where it is, just in case.
• Is it included in your club’s risk assessment?
  You might want to check if it’s part of your Risk Assessment and safety planning.
• Do you know when to use it?
  Recognising when it’s time to act can make a huge difference, as does familiarisation of the packs.
• How would you feel using it in an emergency?
  Sometimes it’s easy to think about these things until you’re in the moment. Would you feel ready?
• Would your club be open to having a defibrillator on-site?
  If you don’t already have one, it could be worth thinking about.

Where to Find More Info

If you’re curious or want to get a better idea of what’s involved, the British Heart Foundation has a wealth of information. Their interactive map can show you where the nearest defibrillators are located, which could be helpful for you to know — just in case. [Follow the link for more information]

What’s Next?

Cliff and South West Area Manager Amanda Leonard are exploring ways to make defibrillator training more accessible to clubs in the region, with the aim of helping everyone feel a bit more confident in an emergency.

So, next time you’re at the club, maybe take a moment to think about your club’s safety — and whether everyone is ready to act in an emergency. It’s not about worrying, but about being ready for whatever might come.

A huge thank you to Cliff for leading the charge and raising this issue. Let’s keep the conversation going and make sure we’re all looking out for each other.