Halesowen 'community hub' awarded new defibrillator from British Heart Foundation

The defibrillator is available to the public 24/7 and is registered on The Circuit, the national defibrillator network, so that ambulance services can direct bystanders to it in the event of a cardiac arrest. 

The church is an important community hub, surrounded by a very large number of households. The provision of a defibrillator on site will offer emergency provision for the many groups who use the premises and the many families who live nearby.

This year, there are over 320 defibrillator packages available in the BHF’s Community Defibrillator Programme, and areas with greatest need are being prioritised – areas with greatest need, where there is limited access to defibrillators.

The BHF and its partner organisations are encouraging other eligible organisations to apply for a free defibrillator. This could be the difference between life and death in the event of an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by up to 10%.

With over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year in the UK and a survival rate of less than one in ten, quick CPR and defibrillation is vital to improve survival rates.

Alex Ballinger, MP for Halesowen said: “I’m delighted to hear that Hasbury Community Church has secured a new community defibrillator, which will be available to residents around the clock. This is an invaluable addition to the area and could make a lifesaving difference in an emergency. I want to thank the British Heart Foundation for their support, and Halesowen Electrical for generously providing the installation free of charge. 

The church plays a vital role at the heart of our community, and this project is another example of its dedication to supporting local people. I’m grateful to everyone involved for helping strengthen emergency provision for Hasbury and for continuing to put our community first.”

Hasbury Community Church is extremely grateful to Chris Mullins from Halesowen Electrical who has given his services to provide the electrical work for the installation.

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation, said: “Every defibrillator has the power to save a life – that's why I’m thrilled that we're able to fully fund over 320 of these lifesaving devices for the areas that need it most. 

"When someone has a cardiac arrest, every second counts – early access to a defibrillator is vital to give someone the best chance of survival. 

“Although we have made progress, there are still too many communities that lack quick and easy access to a defibrillator. With the reopening of this fund, more communities will now have access to a defibrillator that can save lives." 

• ​The defibrillator is installed at the church’s premises at 26 Albert Road, Halesowen, B63 4SW

To hear more about BHF’s community defibrillator funding programme, visit bhf.org.uk/fundeddefibs.

To take BHF’s free online CPR training and learn how to use a defibrillator, visit: revivr.bhf.org.uk.

To learn more about Hasbury Community Church visit: hasbury.org.