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."

Sam Kennard, senior defibrillator manager at the British Heart Foundation said: "Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces a person's chance of survival by up to 10%, so ensuring these lifesaving devices are accessible in public spaces is crucial.

"We urge Londoners to learn CPR through our free digital tool, RevivR and register any local defibrillators on The Circuit - the UK's national defibrillator network.

"This ensures emergency services can locate and direct bystanders to the nearest device when every second counts."

Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, said: "With the right equipment and the right knowledge, we can make London a city where everyone can actively help in an emergency, as we continue building a safer London for everyone."