Ministers purchase 1,000 extra defibrillators to help communities

An additional 2,000 defibrillators are set to spice up the possibilities of surviving a cardiac arrest. Ministers will as we speak make a £1million pot of money obtainable for teams who need to set up the easy-to-use machines of their space.

The funding can pay for 1,000 defibs, however this quantity may double if candidates match the funding. The transfer is a significant victory for the Daily Express and its Complete The Circuit marketing campaign, which goals to lift consciousness concerning the nationwide defibrillator community.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay mentioned: “We know, by inspiring tales of abnormal folks being stored alive due to the swift use of a defibrillator in public that these extraordinary units should be accessible to all.

“I urge any organisation that may benefit from a defibrillator – whether you’re a sports club, local theatre or community
all – to register your interest for this fund so that we can get more of this life-saving tech.”

Defibrillators are able to give the heart an electric shock to restore a stable rhythm during cardiac arrest.

They can be a lifesaver when every second counts and emergency support is not immediately available.

Clear instructions mean anyone can use the devices without training – and their simplicity and effectiveness make them key to saving lives.

Defibrillators are commonly found in workplaces and public spaces like airports, shopping centres, community centres and train stations.

But analysis shows the machines are not used in nine out of 10 cardiac arrests, despite many of the devices being located less than a third of a mile away.

There were 1,302 reported cardiac arrests in the six months to last September where a defibrillator was within 500 yards – but the machines were only used in 132 cases.

More education about where defibrillators actually are is also needed as research shows thousands have not yet been logged on The Circuit – the system used to direct 999 callers to their nearest one in emergencies. The Daily Express’ Complete the Circuit campaign aims to get 100,000 defibs registered.

Minister for Care Helen Whately said “every minute counts” when it comes to cardiac arrests.

She added: “If you run a space in your community that could benefit from a defibrillator, please register your interest for our £1million grant, and join our drive to widen the availability of this incredible technology.”

The funding for defibrillators is part of a programme to improve public access to care when needed.

To apply for a defibrillator to be installed, visit https://forms.office.com/e/FyXmAdPb8y