Defibrillators: Public Access — [Sir Charles Walker in the Chair]

Acknowledges the hon. Member for raising this subject, mentioning Lucky2BHere charity that has placed over 150 defibrillators across Na h-Eileanan an Iar and highlights personal experience of Michelle Macleod's life being saved by a defibrillator.

Commends the hon. Member for securing the debate, mentions his previous bill which led to 4,500 AEDs in schools and over 70,000 staff trained, saving 47 lives including two in his constituency, and suggests teaching CPR is crucial.

Emphasized the importance of defibrillators in saving lives, citing a personal experience where a councillor's life was saved during a public meeting. Highlighted the need for more defibrillators in poorer communities and called for fair distribution of funding to address areas with high heart disease risk. Suggested larger corporations should be encouraged to install and signpost defibrillators visibly. Also called for mandatory first aid training for parliamentary staff and recommended that schools teach basic first aid skills. Emphasised the importance of making defibrillator data accessible on handheld devices, noting that current search tools like Google Maps do not provide adequate information.

Highlighted the critical need for timely access to defibrillators during cardiac arrests and the benefits of The Circuit's national defibrillator network. He also stressed the importance of community engagement, CPR training, addressing health inequalities, and making defibrillators more affordable.

Paid tribute to the hon. Member for Erith and Thamesmead for highlighting the importance of altruism in emergencies, mentioned two local initiatives: Devon Air Ambulance Trust's 'Help with all your Heart' campaign which includes CPR training and placing AEDs outside charity shops; Axe Valley Runners club's 'defib dash' to raise awareness. Asked the Government to create a comprehensive national register for AEDs to ensure better accessibility in emergencies, especially in rural areas. Inquired about the arguments against making defibrillator registration compulsory.

Emphasised the importance of defibrillators in saving lives, citing statistics showing that only 8% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests survive without access to an AED. Highlighted the economic benefits of early intervention and called for more accessible placement of defibrillators to address health inequalities. Requested an update on progress towards meeting a target, noting that the academic year ends in two weeks.

Peacock highlighted the low survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in Yorkshire, noting that fewer than one in ten individuals survive such incidents annually. She praised bystander willingness to perform CPR and noted that defibrillation within three to five minutes of collapse can improve survival rates from 50% to 70%. Peacock also pointed out the disparity in access to defibrillators between affluent and less affluent areas, urging the government to take urgent action for more equitable distribution.

Thanks the hon. Member for securing this important debate, highlighting the importance of community defibrillator training sessions and thanking individuals such as Ryan Cawsey from St John Ambulance Cymru and Stephanie Roberts from the Gwalchmai Hotel who organize free training sessions.