Erewash MP Maggie Throup is urging community organisations across Erewash to apply for a grant to fund a life-saving defibrillator through the Community Automated External Defibrillator Fund.
Backed by £1 million of government funding, the defibrillator grant will provide at least 1,000 new defibrillators for community spaces across England. Each new defibrillator will be externally mounted to enable 24-hour access by members of the public.
Maggie said: “Whilst it is fantastic that we have 47 24-hour access defibrillators in Erewash, I am urging local and community organisations to apply for this grant which could ultimately save someone’s life.
“Defibrillators provide vital treatment, with latest research showing that use of these devices within three to five minutes of a cardiac arrest increases the chance of survival by over 40%. So, if you are a community organisation, please consider applying for this life-saving grant.”
To receive funding, community organisations will be asked to demonstrate that defibrillators will be placed in areas where they are most needed, such as rural areas, places with high footfall or spaces for vulnerable people.
Examples include town halls, community centres, local shops, post offices and local parks, as these spaces ensure that defibrillators are evenly spread throughout communities and easily accessible if someone is experiencing an unexpected cardiac arrest.
Applications for funding will be submitted to Smarter Society and the London Hearts Charity, who have been jointly chosen to manage the grant funding as they will bring industry knowledge of defibrillators and an understanding of where they should be installed.
Erewash community organisations can apply for a defibrillator here.