Communities urged to apply for free lifesaving defibrillator from the British Heart Foundation

Communities across Wales are being urged to apply for a free lifesaving defibrillator from the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

There are 220 defibrillator packages available to communities across the UK as part of the charity’s Community Defibrillator Fund.

The heart charity has said areas with greatest need will be prioritised – those with high deprivation and limited access to defibrillators.

There are around 2800 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year in Wales, with only one in twenty people surviving.

Every minute without CPR and defibrillation after a cardiac arrest can reduce the chance of survival by up to 10 per cent.

However quick CPR and defibrillation is vital to give someone the best chance of survival.

There are over 79,000 defibrillators registered on The Circuit: the UK’s defibrillator network, but they are not evenly distributed.

The BHF, with support from their charity partner Royal Mail, hope the Community Defibrillator programme will improve survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation, said: “Every defibrillator has the power to save a life – that’s why I’m thrilled that we’re able to fully fund 220 of these life saving devices for communities across the UK.

“Every second counts when someone has a cardiac arrest. Performing early CPR and having access to a defibrillator gives someone the best chance of survival.

“There simply aren’t enough defibrillators where they’re needed most, as research has shown that many communities are too far away from their nearest defibrillator. These devices make where you live safer, as cardiac arrests can happen to anyone, at any time.

“More communities will now have access to a defibrillator that can save lives.”

Greg Sage, Deputy Director Corporate Affairs & ESG at Royal Mail, said: “We are very proud that the fundraising efforts of our colleagues across the country are supporting this initiative to enable areas with the greatest need access to life-saving equipment.

“Royal Mail is supporting the scheme by aiming to fund 420 defibrillators across four years of the partnership.”

Dr Chris Wilkinson, Senior Lecturer in Cardiology at Hull York Medical School and Honorary Consultant Cardiologist, who led the research using BHF Circuit data, said: “I’m delighted to see this programme launch that gives communities the chance to receive a free defibrillator.

“We recently highlighted just how far every postcode is in Great Britain from its nearest defibrillator, and how deprivation levels affect the public’s access.

“It’s great to see the BHF leading the way in providing defibrillators to so many communities.”

Local areas awarded one of these 220 defibrillators will be provided with a defibrillator and cabinet, and installation costs will be covered where required. Communities awarded a defibrillator can order future replacement parts free of charge when they expire or are used in a rescue.

The charity will ensure that each defibrillator will also be registered on The Circuit: the national defibrillator network, so ambulance services can direct bystanders to the defibrillator in the event of a cardiac arrest.

Communities are invited to apply for their free defibrillator on the BHF website here.