*Updated Target*

After the overwhelming response I have increased the target for those still wishing to donate. The extra funds will go towards replacement parts and maintenence. The pads can only be used once and cost around £100 to replace depending on model and come with a shelf life. The batteries also come with a shelf life and can cost around £300 to replace. The defibrillator is stored in a temperature and moisture controlled cabinet which requires a constant supply of electricity.

Thanks again for your amazing support.

The Whitechapel Village Hall Community Defibrillator needs replacing. Unfortunately the current Defibrillator has been discontinued and we are now unable to get replacement parts for it so it has become obsolete. The village hall recently replaced the secure cabinet with it's own funds. We are asking for help to fund the new Defibrillator to make sure our rural community has access to one 24/7.

A defibrillator is a piece of lifesaving equipment that can be used when a person goes into cardiac arrest. This is when their heart stops beating normally because the electrical activity in their heart has become disrupted and disorganised. A defibrillator gives a jolt of energy to the heart, which can help restore the heart’s rhythm and get it beating normally again.

Defibrillators can save lives. When someone’s heart stops beating, oxygen is no longer being transported to their brain and other vital organs. Without any intervention, brain damage will start to occur within four to five minutes.

A patient’s chance of survival falls by between 7 and 10 per cent with every minute that defibrillation is delayed.

However, studies have shown that a shock given within three to five minutes can produce survival rates of between 50 and 70 per cent.