Rachel is encouraging community organisations to apply for a Government grant to fund a life-saving defibrillator.
Backed by £1 million of Government funding, the Community Automated External Defibrillators (AED) fund will provide at least 1,000 new defibrillators for community spaces across England. Each new defibrillator will be externally mounted to enable 24 hour access by members of the public.
Defibrillators provide vital treatment, with latest research showing that use of these devices within three to five minutes of a cardiac arrest increases the chance of survival by over 40%.
To receive funding, community organisations will be asked to demonstrate that defibrillators will be placed in areas where they are most needed, such as rural areas, places with high footfall or spaces for vulnerable people. Examples include town halls, community centres, local shops, post offices and local parks, as these spaces ensure that defibrillators are evenly spread throughout communities and easily accessible if someone is experiencing an unexpected cardiac arrest.
The funding is part of the Government’s drive to equip the health system with the right technology to help save lives.
Rachel said:
“Credit must rightly go to Rob and Maggie Underwood who tirelessly fundraised to get defibrillators installed across Redditch – and there’s no doubt that they will have saved many lives.
“However, if we can get more defibrillators installed across the constituency we can save even more lives, so I would encourage community organisations in Redditch and the Villages to apply for this Government funding.”
Community organisations can apply here: https://www.defibgrant.co.uk/
