Published on: Wednesday, 2 November 2022
Last updated: Wednesday, 2 November 2022
Above: Example of a defibrillator installed at a station in Essex. Credit: Greater Anglia
Greater Anglia has installed life-saving heart resuscitators at every rail station on the New River Line, which runs between Hertford East and Broxbourne.
Five Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been installed at Hertford East, Ware, St Margarets, Rye House and Broxbourne stations.
The defibrillators are small, safe and lightweight and deliver a shock to treat someone in cardiac arrest.
They can also monitor the heart’s activity and give instructions to the users.
Anyone can use them. If there is an incident on the station, call 999 to be given a code to open the defibrillator’s storage box and follow the instructions given.
Greater Anglia’s Head of Facilities Management, Mark Ellis, said, “Statistics show that 20% of cardiac arrests occur in a public place.
“There is compelling evidence that defibrillation at the earliest possible point after a person collapses can significantly increase their chances of survival, so it’s vital that this life saving equipment is available in public places, particularly somewhere very busy like rail stations.”
“The installation of these defibrillators means that we are better prepared to provide assistance in the event of a first aid emergency.”
Katie Goldthorpe, Officer for the New River Line Community Rail Partnership commented, “We’re very grateful to Greater Anglia for funding these defibrillators which could mean the difference between life and death for someone.”