On Saturday 22 October, the Company of Ten officially revealed a new defibrillator installed at the front entrance of the Abbey Theatre. The ceremony was led by The Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, Cllr. Anthony Rowlands.

Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the most prominent killers and public access defibrillators can be lifesaving. Currently less than one in ten people will survive a cardiac incident, but this equipment can be critical in an early response. The defibrillator comes with easy-to-follow instructions for anyone who has a requirement to use it.

“I was delighted to be asked to conduct the official opening of the defibrillator, said Cllr. Rowlands. “Congratulations are due to everyone associated with this project. Providing this vital emergency resource is a fine illustration of how the theatre continues to fulfil its wider community role as one of the key stakeholders in Verulamium Park.”

Speaking during the event, the Company of Ten Chairman Paul Davidson said: “For almost 90 years the Company of Ten has been providing the people of St Albans with high quality drama – for 55 of those years, here at the Abbey Theatre. We now offer something a little different to the Community, in the form of a defibrillator available 24 hours a day to users of the theatre but also to anyone taken ill in Verulamium Park. Following a suggestion by one of our members, Anthea Buxton, the Fundraising team raised the necessary funds, sourced the machine and installed it on the front wall of the theatre. Although we hope it will never be needed, it could make the difference between life and death.’

For anyone who wants to learn more about how to use a public defibrillator there is some excellent information and a video on the British Heart Foundation website here.