News / Health
The fundraising platform making defibrillators accessible
A platform where communities crowd-fund defibrillators is launching a campaign called Make Bristol Heart Safe.
Developed by the Dutch Heart Foundation, the programme equipped thousands of neighbourhoods in Sweden and the Netherlands with life-saving defibrillator packages.
The model is now available in the UK with Bristol, Swindon and Plymouth as the pilot areas.
Defibrillators are essential for community first responders who are trained to start CPR and use a defibrillator immediately.
Over 30,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest each year in the UK. 80 per cent of those cases occur at home, with the survival rate is less than 10 per cent.
South Western Ambulance Service said Bristol has several “hotspots” where defibrillators aren’t easily accessible.
Make Bristol Heart-Safe campaign from MyCommunityDefib, aims to close these gaps as rapidly as possible.
Their online search tool helps people locate their nearest defibrillator.
If a neighbourhood doesn’t have one, community members can start a campaign to raise money for a defibrillator package.
Once the £1,950 target is reached MyCommunityDefib arranges delivery.
MyCommunityDefib helps communities fundraise for life-saving defibrillator packages – photo: MyCommunityDefib
The package includes a defibrillator in a carry case and an unlocked heated outdoor cabinet so it’s accessible in an emergency.
It also includes a four-year support package which covers replacement pads after use, ongoing maintenance and a full replacement in cases of vandalism, theft or malfunction.
“Having a defibrillator accessible round-the-clock is a simple yet vital safeguard for our families and friends,” said spokesperson Sophie Verlinden.
“We urge everyone in Bristol to come together, raise awareness and ensure our neighbourhoods are equipped to respond quickly in a cardiac emergency.”
Main photo: MyCommunityDefib
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