Public Defib and BLS Campaign

Hi, my name is Amy and i’m a Student Paramedic at the University of Worcester. Following witnessing a fatal collision and the tragic loss of a fellow course mate and friend on the Henwick / Oldbury Road junction - I have been campaigning for more local public defibrillators and an increase in public awareness of Basic life support.

Public Defibrillators allow members of the public to assess a life saving device in the event of an emergency. Although the use of a defib does not guarantee a good outcome, research shows that along with bystander CPR / BLS, Defibs do help improve the survival rate of out of hospital cardiac arrests.

Unfortunately, in our case, there were no accessible defibs available to use when we needed one, and despite our best efforts in providing BLS, we were unable to save our friend. This has highlighted to me the importance of having public AEDs- as they give everyone the best chance of survival and eliminate the “what if” questions for bystanders who witness cardiac arrest.

There is a lack of publicly accessible AEDs and knowledge surrounding these topics - and my aim is to change this.

Alongside the University, I have already ensured the defibs onsite are on external walls and accessible, as well as installing additional ones where needed - encouraging the registration of these on the National Defib database (The Circuit). The University of Worcester SU have partnered with me in moving this campaign beyond their walls, and will be helping with the project , installing the defib and ensuring its upkeep. It’s now time to make a difference in the wider community!

The Henwick Road Co-Op seems the perfect location for a Public defib, and in memory of our course mate and to help the community in having access to more public defibs. I would really appreciate your support in fundraising the necessary amount to purchase the defib and external cabinet, and to install this life saving public defib on the Co op.

For further information on the importance of public defibrillators, and resources on Basic life support, please follow the links below.

What is a defib and how to use one

Bhf learn BLS

What is a cardiac arrest

Note : if target is met - any excess not spent on defib will go to the BHF