12:22 pm, August 15, 2018
PENDRAGON is equipping its dealerships and service centres with life-saving defibrillators in a deal with the St John Ambulance first aid charity.
The arrangement will see the installation of the equipment at all dealerships, service centres, accident repair bodyshops and preparation centres across the group’s network.
Two Doncaster dealerships – Stratstone BMW and Evans Halshaw Nissan – were among the first to receive their defibrillators, which work by giving a powerful electric shock through the chest wall to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest.
Simon Dunn, regional director (north) at St John Ambulance, joined Sharon Collins, group insurance risk leader at Pendragon as well as team members of both dealerships to mark the occasion.
Marcus Hallam, head of business at BMW Doncaster, and Tom Ruff, sales leader at Nissan Doncaster, were also in attendance, as were two St John volunteers who demonstrated how to use the machines.
With the continuous and rapid changes in vehicle technology – particularly in automotive workshops – and the anticipated increase in the supply and servicing of electrified vehicles, Pendragon’s health and safety team felt it was essential to provide all business locations with a defibrillator.
More than 200 devices will be installed over the next month and this will extend to all Pendragon brands, including Stratstone, Evans Halshaw, Car Store and DAF.
Sharon Collins said: ‘We chose St John Ambulance as our supplier because in addition to supporting the NHS with their own ambulance response services, they also provide first aid training for team members across all Pendragon businesses in the UK.
‘The availability of a defibrillator can mean the difference between life and death and we are proud to be working alongside St John Ambulance on this project.’
Our picture shows Simon Dunn, regional director (north) at St John Ambulance handing over a defibrillator to Marcus Hallam, head of business at BMW Doncaster.
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