Police donate force defibrillators to charity

The force, which updated its AEDs, donated the older models to the charity

A police force has donated more than 40 defibrillators to a charity working to increase the availability of the devices in public places.

Dorset Police recently updated its automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to newer models so arranged to hand over the older devices to AEDDonate.

The devices help the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.

The donation of 42 live AEDs and seven training AEDs was arranged by first aid co-ordinator Matt Lydford and sergeants Lewis McQueen and Matt Silvey.

The force holds a number of AEDs for emergencies but also stores a number of training devices used by the Operations Training Department.

Dorset Police Assistant Chief Officer Jo Mosley, director of people and support services, said: "I'm extremely proud of the Operations Training Department for using their initiative to donate these life-saving devices to a charity that does so much for our communities and works hard to keep people safe."

Sudden cardiac arrest kills about 100,000 people in the UK each year.

AEDDonate supports communities to buy or fundraise for AEDs which can be registered with the local ambulance service for use in an emergency.

Charity CEO Jamie Richards said: "I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dorset Police for their generous donation.

"This significant contribution greatly enhances our efforts to support communities in need."