Defibrillator 'deserts' to get 200 more devices

Some areas have no defibrillators

London is to get 200 new life-saving devices for the capital's "defibrillator deserts".

Currently there are 84 neighbourhoods in London with no easy access to defibrillators.

Thirteen of these areas do not have a single defibrillator, while 71 neighbourhoods have limited access to a device.

The new defibrillators are being funded by the Mayor of London, as part of the London Ambulance Service's London Heart Starters campaign.

The MP for Croydon East, Natasha Irons, said: "I welcome this move from the Mayor of London to help the London Ambulance Service reach their funding goal, giving every community better access to life-saving defibrillators.

"This is a brilliant opportunity for community groups in Addiscombe – one of the areas identified as a defibrillator desert - and across Croydon to step forward and host one.

"By doing so, you could save a life."

Jason Killens, chief executive of London Ambulance Service, said: "Defibrillators are safe and simple to use and the more we install in public places, the more lives will be saved.

"Be a guardian in your community and look after your local defib so it's ready whenever it might be needed. It shouldn't matter where in London you live - everyone deserves the best chance of surviving a cardiac arrest."

Lilli Matson, Transport for London's chief safety officer, said: "Our first-aid trained staff at stations have access to defibrillators for when customers across the Tube and Overground need them.

"We know every second counts when saving a life, so we are pleased to also be able to donate defibrillators to homeless shelters as part of this important cause."