Council funds maintenance of life-saving defibrillators

Published on 30 May 2024

With fewer than one-in-ten people surviving an out of hospital cardiac arrest, access to well maintained, ready to use defibrillators can make all the difference.

Defibrillators deliver a shock which can restart someone's heart after it stops beating. Defibrillation within three to five minutes of collapse can produce survival rates of 50% to 70%.

There are over 130 automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which are accessible all day every day in the Moorlands, without a clear system to register them or record maintenance schedules.

To help ensure this potentially life-saving equipment is properly maintained and available when needed, the District Council is partnering with AEDdonate - a Staffordshire charity - to manage defibrillators across the Moorlands.

Cabinet Member for Communities, Councillor Bill Cawley, said: "The figures speak for themselves and clearly demonstrate the huge difference that the use of a defibrillator can have to an individual's prospects of surviving a heart attack.

"We know that this equipment is available across the District but, in order to be effective, it needs to be properly maintained.

"That's why I'm pleased that the Council is funding this essential work and working in partnership with AEDdonate. It means that all defibrillators in communities across the Moorlands will be in full working order if and when required."

The Council is funding the programme for two years to allow other options to be considered.

Former Council Chairman, Councillor Lyn Swindlehurst, said: "Creating safer and healthier environments for our communities is one of the four key aims in our Corporate Plan and this partnership with AEDdonate helps to contribute to achieving that aim.

"Extensive research, instigated by Dave Swarbrook, Leek defibrillator champion, AEDdonate and a Council working group has resulted in this partnership - which means that our residents and visitors can have confidence that, should they require a defibrillator, the nearest one to them will be ready for use."