Defibrillators

Called for public accessibility of defibrillators 24/7, pointed out that nearly half of postcodes in her constituency are not within easy reach of a defibrillator, and urged schools to register their devices.

Highlighted the 10% decrease in survival rate per minute delay without defibrillation, emphasized the limited access in rural communities due to high costs including VAT on devices, and praised the work of local guardians maintaining defibrillators.

Shared a story of a constituent who did not survive cardiac arrest due to non-functional defibrillators, highlighting the need for better regulation on maintenance; pointed out that 46.4% of postcodes in his constituency are out of direct reach of a defibrillator.

Agreed with John Slinger about improving access to defibrillators and suggested making it cheaper for community groups, local government, and police forces to obtain these devices.

The Member agrees that this is a UK-wide issue but raises concerns about inequality in poorer communities, suggesting a VAT exemption and creating a criminal offence to protect defibs from vandalism.

Highlighted the importance of community groups supporting and fundraising for defibrillators, and inquired about the current processes to ensure maintenance and availability of defibrillators.

Discussed the national curriculum review and raised issues related to defibrillators and their accessibility.

She discussed the challenges faced by rural areas in accessing emergency medical services and shared a story of her constituent Sonya Harris, who survived a cardiac arrest thanks to nearby CPR and a defibrillator.

Paid tribute to Dylan Rich, a Rushcliffe constituent who died at age 17 from cardiac arrest. Over 60% of his rural constituency is still not within a three-to-five-minute walk of a defibrillator despite the work done by previous Governments.

Supported VAT abolition on defibrillators and suggested tightening laws around their use. Highlighted the issue of ambulance services taking defibs away from remote areas due to centralised maternity care.

Cardiovascular disease affects 7 million people in the UK, with poorer communities facing higher risks. She urged the removal of VAT on defibrillators and investment in technology to improve access. Addressed innovation within the NHS health check programme, advocating for digital transformation.

Discussed his private Member's Bill about public access to defibrillators and highlighted the importance of training in communities; asked for indications of discussions with the relevant Minister in Northern Ireland to move forward positively.

The Member pays tribute to the debate's originator and discusses delays in ambulance response times and the struggle of rural communities to access lifesaving tools. They also highlight a village needing three more defibs and criticize local council for insufficient funding.

Discussed the importance of publicly accessible defibrillators and highlighted the work of Naomi Rees-Issitt, who established the OurJay Foundation after her son's tragic death. Advocated for legal requirements to make AEDs available on premises. Agreed that more devices are needed in communities and supported Naomi Rees-Issitt's call for Jamie’s law to make defibrillators mandatory in police vehicles.

He commended Hearts for Herts, a local charity that trains people in lifesaving skills and installs public access defibrillators across Hertfordshire. The charity aims to make all school defibrillators publicly accessible.

She shared a personal story of a cardiac arrest incident in her constituency, highlighting the importance of easily accessible defibrillators. She also mentioned that communities may struggle with maintaining defibrillators due to cost.

Emphasized the importance of CPR training and highlighted the work of Clare Parish’s Paul Alan Project in providing training and installing defibrillators across communities.

Thanked her colleague and neighbour, Sam Rushworth, for securing this important debate.

Reported that almost 70% of postcodes in her constituency are not within easy reach of a defibrillator; suggested reviewing VAT on defibrillators to widen access.

The Member supports calls for VAT removal on defibrillators and commends the work of voluntary groups and charities in raising funds and awareness for these lifesaving devices.

Thanked all participants and highlighted the importance of not taxing defibrillators, ensuring they are accessible, preventing theft, maintaining working order, adding other medical devices, training more people, and addressing the propensity to act in emergency situations.

Revealed that a quarter of postcodes in his constituency are not within easy reach of a defibrillator. Every day, 80 to 90 people die from cardiac arrest outside the hospital setting; early access to a defibrillator can save lives and reduce NHS costs.

Over 60% of people in her constituency live in a 'defib desert.' She highlighted community efforts to install defibrillators and called for the Government to make them more accessible.

Congratulated the work of Bournemouth Heart Club and local organizations that funded and installed defibrillators in their communities.

Pays tribute to Ross Cowie of Portree for installing more than 1,000 public access defibrillators across rural Scotland. Highlights the importance of training people in their use and suggests that CPR should be taught compulsorily in schools.