Concerns raised over shocking defibrillator access statistics in Ashfield.

This week I have written to the Health Secretary to express my concern regarding new statistics that show 66,000 people in Ashfield are longer than 3-5 minutes away from a registered public defibrillator.

You can read my letter below.

Dear Secretary of State,

Re: Access to Defibrillators in Ashfield

I have been made aware of recent research from the Heart Restart Tax campaign which suggests 66,000 people in Ashfield are currently outside the recommended distance of a registered public defibrillator.

As I understand it, the British Heart Foundation recommends that a defibrillator is reached within 3–5 minutes of a cardiac arrest as, when it is used quickly, it can increase survival chances from around 8% to 70%. Tragically, defibrillators are often installed only once an incident occurs which could have potentially been avoided. It is clear timely and effective access is vital.

I know of several organisations and campaigns which are promoting the installation of defibrillators in popular areas like transport hubs and sports facilities. However, there is no specific law which mandates defibrillator installation in public places or workplaces, except for schools, and local communities often have to rely on specific funding and support programmes to help expand the number of public defibrillators available.

Last year I wrote to the Treasury specifically about VAT on defibrillators, however I would be grateful if you could outline what steps your department is taking to support the instillation of defibrillators in Ashfield and other areas with limited coverage.

Please could you also outline what steps you are taking to support emergency response training and initiatives, and confirm whether you have made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing minimum requirements for defibrillators in residential areas and public settings.

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Lee Anderson MP

Member of Parliament for Ashfield