New lifesaving equipment now available in police stations across Worcestershire

Published date
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Health

Five new defibrillators have been installed at Police Stations, increasing the amount of lifesaving equipment available across the county.

Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health team has funded the new equipment, with support from West Mercia Police, Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, and Droitwich AED for their installation.

The new devices, are now available in police stations in Kidderminster, Worcester, Malvern, Upton, and Evesham, and will join over 860 defibrillators that are already installed in Worcestershire.

Councillor Simon Geraghty, Leader of Worcestershire County Council, said: “This project came about because of a real incident in Britannia Square in Worcester (around the corner from Worcester Police Station) where a resident potentially needed a defib and there was confusion around where they could find one. I am delighted that we have been able to step in and take action to make sure residents have access to this vital lifesaving equipment in locations where people go to get help.

“This has truly been a One-Worcestershire approach and I am grateful for the support from local charity Droitwich AED who have provided the equipment, and to West Mercia Police and John Campion, Police and Crime Commission for hosting and making this project happen.”

John Campion, Police and Crime Commissioner added: “Police stations are at the heart of local communities, so I am proud to have played my role in supporting five live-saving and accessible defibrillators through the Safer Worcestershire project.

“By working closely with Worcestershire County Council, I am committed to delivering on the public's priorities and ensuring they are safe and feel safe.”

Fully automated, the defibrillators do not require any training to use and will talk a user through the process when activated. They are attached to a patient’s chest and gives an electric shock to the heart to restart a normal beat.

They can be found in community spaces like shopping centres, pubs, schools, community centres and residential areas. View a handy map highlighting defib locations.

CPR and defibrillators are literal life savers – If you do not have a defib in your local community, there is funding available to help you acquire one. You can find more information on the County Council website.