In recent years, you may have noticed more and more defibrillators across our town. These critical care devices have been delivered thanks to the Public Hearts Defibrillator Campaign, a community investment company (CIC), partnering with us and many others in Cheltenham.

Greater access to defibrillators is another example of how working in partnership benefits our town, and it is a privilege to serve alongside Clare Seed and her wonderful team with the delivery of these fantastic tools, without a penny of public funds spent.

Defibrillators are medical tools that deliver an electric shock to a person’s heart during a life-threatening cardiac arrest. The electric charge aims to restore a normal heartbeat and significantly increases the chances of survival.

Vital in crisis situations

These devices are manufactured to be easy to use in an emergency, and can be operated by anyone, without training, which is why they are so vital in crisis situations. They can turn normal people into lifesavers!

If you do witness a cardiac arrest, you should call 999 immediately and await instruction.

Recently, I was lucky enough to be invited to the Public Hearts ‘Big 100 Celebration’, upon the installation of the 100th defibrillator in Cheltenham. The celebration at the MX event space, right in the heart of our town, is where the 100th defibrillator is located.

It was fantastic to attend and discuss the importance of these life-saving machines, as well as the crucial role they can play in protecting people here in Cheltenham.

While we all hope that we never have to use one, I am reassured that there are now 100 defibrillators on our streets. Next stop, 101!