To apply – Apply For A Defibrillator | London Hearts or ring 020 7043 2493
This year’s “Fancy Dress Week” saw children and team members across all five Mulberry Bush nurseries in Bury dress up as their favourite characters while taking part in a week of fun activities, special visitors and fundraising efforts. Families, friends and the wider community generously supported the event through sponsorships and donations.
The funds raised will enable the nursery group to replace the five community defibrillators and outdoor cabinets located outside its nurseries. The new defibs and cabinets have already been ordered from the London Hearts Charity. London Hearts aim is to make defibrillators more affordable to communities and organisations across the country, by providing charity funding through grants. These life-saving devices will be available not only to nursery staff and families but also to members of the local community in the event of an emergency.
Paul Robinson, Director of Mulberry Bush Nursery, said:
“We are thrilled to have exceeded our fundraising target, raising over £11,000 during Charity Week. This fantastic achievement would not have been possible without the incredible support of our children, families, staff, friends and local community. We’d especially like to thank the person who made an anonymous donation of £2,000! We will continue to collect donations for the next few weeks.”
“As a nursery group, supporting charitable causes has been at the heart of what we do for over 35 years. Knowing that these funds will help provide replacement community defibrillators that could save lives, while also continuing our support for the children at Good Life Orphanage, makes this year’s fundraising effort especially meaningful.”
“We would like to thank everyone who donated, sponsored, participated and helped make Charity Week such a fabulous success”
To apply – Apply For A Defibrillator | London Hearts or ring 020 7043 2493
At London Hearts, we believe that empowering communities with life-saving equipment is essential, and the Bluetits Chill Swimmers have set an inspiring example of just that. Thanks to their incredible fundraising efforts, this vibrant open-water swimming community has secured a defibrillator that will be stationed at their HQ in Pembrokeshire and accompany them at all Bluetits events.
The unboxing of the defibrillator was met with visible excitement and pride from the Bluetits team, particularly Makala and the water safety crew, who play a vital role in keeping participants safe. This moment was more than just a celebration of a new piece of equipment—it was a celebration of community spirit, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to safety. 💓
Why This Defibrillator Matters 🫀
In the event of a cardiac arrest, every second counts⏱️. With survival rates dropping by 10% for every minute without intervention, having a defibrillator on hand can truly mean the difference between life and death. The Bluetits, who host events that attract swimmers of all ages and fitness levels, understand that being prepared for emergencies is essential.
While they hope the defibrillator never needs to be used, its presence provides reassurance to swimmers and their loved ones 🏊♀️💙, particularly as open-water swimming can sometimes pose additional risks. Whether it’s at their HQ or out at events, the Bluetits are now better equipped to act quickly and effectively in the face of an emergency.
A Testament to Community Spirit 🤝
The Bluetits Chill Swimmers are more than just a swimming group—they’re a thriving community of individuals brought together by a shared passion for the outdoors, fitness, and camaraderie. Their decision to raise funds for a defibrillator demonstrates the powerful impact communities can have when they come together for a greater cause🙌
The funds were raised with the support of members and partners, showcasing their collective dedication to promoting safety and health. This achievement reflects not only their proactive approach to heart safety but also their deep care for everyone who takes part in their activities💪
The Role of London Hearts ❤️
London Hearts is honoured to have played a part in this milestone by providing guidance and support for the funding of the defibrillator. 🩺 Our mission is to make defibrillators as accessible as possible across the UK, helping individuals, clubs, and organisations take vital steps toward becoming heart-safe.
Stories like this inspire us to continue our work and remind us why it’s so important. We know that communities like the Bluetits are leading the way in ensuring safety isn’t an afterthought but a priority.
Moving Forward Together 🚀
As the Bluetits move forward with their new defibrillator, they set a shining example for other clubs and communities to follow. Whether it’s raising awareness or taking action, this achievement proves that together, we can make a life-saving difference.
Congratulations to the Bluetits for keeping their community heart-safe 💙👏—we’re so proud to have been part of your journey!
When it comes to choosing the right Automated External Defibrillator (AED), understanding the difference between a semi-automatic and a fully-automatic device is crucial. Both are highly effective in saving lives during a cardiac arrest, but the way they function differs slightly. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which one might be best for your needs.
Semi-Automatic vs. Fully-Automatic AED: What’s the Difference?
Advantages of Semi-Automatic Defibrillators
Advantages of Fully-Automatic Defibrillators
What Do Both Have in Common?
Choosing Between Semi-Automatic and Fully-Automatic AED
Both semi-automatic and fully-automatic AEDs are equally effective when it comes to saving lives during a cardiac arrest. The choice between the two largely comes down to personal preference, ease of use, and any additional features you may require.
In Summary:
Whether you choose a semi-automatic or fully-automatic defibrillator, both are vital tools in responding to a cardiac emergency. They both offer life-saving capabilities, providing clear instructions and ensuring that shock delivery is only given when necessary. The decision between the two will depend on the specific needs of the user and the environment in which the device will be used.
In the world of emergency medical equipment, few tools hold as much potential to save lives as the defibrillator. These devices, available in both automated external (AED) and manual variants, are designed to deliver a crucial shock which restores a patient’s heart back to normal heart rhythm during cardiac arrest. However, their effectiveness is reliant on proper upkeep and maintenance. In this blog post, we will explore in detail the steps necessary to ensure your defibrillator remains in optimal condition and ready to use when seconds count with our defibrillator maintenance guide.
What is a defibrillator?
A defibrillator is a device that gives a shock of electricity to the heart. It helps to get the heart beating again when someone is in cardiac arrest and their heart has stopped. They might also be called a defib, an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) or a PAD (Public Access Defibrillator). Start your defibrillator Project now.
Why is upkeep so important?
Ensuring the pads and batteries of a defibrillator are in optimal condition is prime importance for its effectiveness in saving lives during cardiac emergencies. Here is why:
Immediate availability:
During a sudden cardiac arrest, every second counts. Having functional electrode pads and fully charges batteries ensures that the defibrillator is ready for immediate use without any delays. Any delay in accessing or using the defibrillator due to faulty pads or depleted batteries can significantly reduce the chances of survival for the victim.
Effectiveness of shock delivery:
The electrode pads are responsible for delivering the electric shock to the patient’s chest to restore normal heart rhythm. If the pads are expired, damaged or attached incorrectly, this can compromise the effectiveness of the shock delivery and decrease the likelihood of successful defibrillation.
Patients’ safety:
using expired or defective electrode pads or batteries can cause safety risks to both the patients and the rescuer. Properly functioning equipment minimises the risk of complications or injuries during the defibrillation process, ensuring the safety of everyone involved in the rescue.
Routine checks and inspections:
Regular maintenance is essential to defibrillator upkeep. Incorporating routine checks and inspections into your maintenance schedule is crucial to ensuring the devices reliability. Here are some key areas to focus on:
Visual inspection:
Perform regular visual inspections of the device, paying close attention to the exterior for any signs of wear and tear. Focus on the electrode pads and cables for integrity, ensuring they are properly connected and free from any damage.
Battery Check:
The battery is the “Heart” of the defibrillator. Regularly check the battery status indicator to ensure that it is fully charged and replace it if needed. A defibrillator with a depleted battery will not be effective during an emergency.
Electrode pads:
Check the expiration date of the electrode pads and replace them as needed. Pads have an expiration date of 2 years. Expired pads may not adhere properly to the patient’s skin which can have an adverse impact on the effectiveness of the shock delivery to the heart.
Self-test function:
Our defibrillators come with a self-test function. Make it a habit to regularly run this test to ensure that all components are functioning correctly. Follow our partners (Defib World) guidelines for interpreting the results of the self-test.
Storing a defibrillator:
Storing a defibrillator properly is crucial to ensure its functionality and accessibility during emergencies. Here are some guidelines for safe defibrillator storage:
Indoor storage:
Outdoor storage:
Avoid incorrect storage.
You can contact our defibrillator team who will help you to choose a defibrillator that’s right for you. They’re available by phone, email or online chat from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Email: info@londonhearts.org
Tel: 020 7043 2493
Apply for a Defibrillator: Apply For A Defibrillator | London Hearts
When you’re ready to get a defibrillator, you’ll need to choose which one to get. Each type offers unique benefits and considerations that can impact their effectiveness in saving lives during a cardiac emergency.
The type of defibrillator you choose will depend on:
Defibrillators are either semi-automatic or fully automatic. The difference is how much action is needed from the person using it.
For children under 8, the shock from a defibrillator needs to be weaker than it is for adults. Some defibrillators let you switch easily from adult to child mode. Others need different electrode pads that are suitable for use on children or a special ‘child key’ to switch mode.
We always recommend a defibrillator with a built-in-switch as this can save vital time during an emergency.
If you’re not sure whether to get a semi-automatic or fully automatic defibrillator, we can talk through your needs.
Call 020 7043 2493 or email: info@londonhearts.org
If you are looking for part funding towards a semi-automatic or fully-automatic defibrillator you can apply via https://londonhearts.org/apply-for-a-defib/
APPLY TO THE DEFIBRILLATOR SCHEME HERE -> Defib Scheme | London Hearts
London Hearts realises that it is not always possible to locate a Defibrillator externally due to logistics and specific requirements.
We are therefore currently running this special Defibrillator scheme to assist businesses, sports clubs, individuals etc. to obtain an internal / portable dual functioning defibrillator for just c£660.
The aim of this scheme is to generally increase the numbers of life-saving defibrillators in order to improve survival rates from out of hospital cardiac arrests.
There are over 50,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests each year in the UK, but less than one in ten people will survive. Every minute without CPR and defibrillation after a cardiac arrest can reduce the chance of survival by up to 10 per cent. Quick CPR and defibrillation are the only chance of saving someone’s life. If a Defibrillator is applied to the patient within the first 3-5 mins, then the chances of survival increase from 6% to over 70%.
The London Hearts Trustee states, “Every defibrillator has the power to save a person’s life, as a charity we are thrilled to assist as many people as possible throughout the UK to obtain a Defibrillator. There are simply not enough defibrillators. Everyone should have access to these life saving devices. Our mission is to make sure everyone is never more than 200 meters from one at any time.”
To be eligible for this scheme you simply must be:
• Within the UK
• Be committed to promoting London Hearts free online CPR/Defibrillator training with the resources provided.
• We also request you provide us with a photograph of the Defibrillator with person/-s present which we can then include on our social media ‘Every Second Counts’ to help continue raising awareness.
• Responsible for ongoing maintenance
The Scheme is being run on a first come first served basis until all units have been claimed.
Register your interest https://londonhearts.org/defib-scheme/
Your application will be managed by London Hearts Charity.
Our contact details for the scheme are:
info@londonhearts.org
020 7043 2493
After only installing the defibrillator for their Admiral Taverns Pub 3 months prior, a woman was given a second chance at life thanks to an incredible community effort.
The nearest defibrillator was mounted on the outside wall at the Old King’s Arms on adjoining Kirkgate. Thanks to Proper Pubs funding for a defibrillator, which was launched by Admiral Taverns, more than 80 devices were installed at pubs throughout England, Wales and Scotland.
The London Hearts defibrillator charity has teamed up with Admiral Taverns to help supply this life saving equipment in order to spread awareness of cardiac arrest and ensure the well-being of pub visitors and the local community.
On the 15th July, a lady began to feel unwell in Newark. It’s understood she was in the area shopping with her two daughters, who sat her down on a bench outside when her condition quickly deteriorated. She then collapsed and went into a sudden cardiac arrest.
Thankfully, an off-duty nurse and an off-duty firefighter were present and instantly rushed over to the patient to begin using the CPR machine as quickly as possible. Police then arrived, closed off the street and chased towards the nearest defibrillator.
In perfect timing, an ambulance soon arrived, and paramedics brought the woman’s heart back to a normal rhythm.
An air ambulance landed and the patient was treated by the crew and then transferred to Lincoln County Hospital where expert medical care delivered at the scene continued. The London Hearts Team hopes the patient makes a full and speedy recovery.
However, not everyone is always so lucky. There are more than 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests across the UK every year, but less than one in ten people survive due to limited access to the nearest defibrillator.
The more defibrillators that are accessible and the more people trained in how to use them, the better the chance of survival for someone who suddenly collapses from a cardiac arrest. This is where our defibrillator charity can help, as London Hearts can provide Charity Grant Funding towards the cost of a defibrillator and storage as well as a FREE online training video.
Mark Brooke, the director of Proper Pubs, made it clear that community spirit was at the heart of his decision to increase defibrillators UK coverage, saying:
“We’ve always been champions of the community pub. As the cost of living continues to rise, it’s been recognised that pubs aren’t just somewhere for people to go for a drink; they’re also vital lifelines for the community, bringing people together to support each other. It’s great to see this being recognised through the fundraising, and even better to be able to provide defibrillators to people up and down the country.”
Mark went on to explain how thankful he was to the pubs and their local community groups for coming out and supporting the funding for defibrillators, further displaying his commitment to understanding why pubs should start containing defibrillators as standard. Fundraising ideas ranged from traditional tombolas and raffles to sponsored head shaves, showing innovation and dedication from all involved.
With survival falling by around 10% every minute without a CPR machine, it’s vital you know the skills to try and save a life. One day, someone you love might need help from your nearest defibrillator.
London Hearts now offers a reward programme for all of their customers. If you save a life using a Mindray Beneheart Defibrillator obtained through the charity, we will send you FREE defibrillator pads!
Get your free defibrillator pads today.
We welcome applications from any individual, organisation or charity around the UK! So make sure to apply for a London Hearts defibrillator today. Also, check out our articles for all the latest on the London Hearts charity and how we have helped support communities.
Get in touch with us today by raising an enquiry via our contact form.
We love helping people increase their funding for a defibrillator and support their local community with life-saving equipment.
That’s just what happened when manager Lydia Stafford and her amazing team at the well-known Arrow pub in Arnold, Nottingham, got in touch. They wanted help raising charity funding to install a defibrillator on the outside of their building. After eight weeks of solid fundraising for the defibrillator unit, the team finally raised the amount to purchase the life-saving equipment, thanks to help from our charity grant defibrillator funding.
Lydia said: “I was so excited when it finally arrived and even more so today when it was fitted to the wall and fully registered with East Midlands Ambulance Service. I am so proud of my team for the fund-raising efforts and, of course, our wonderful community, as without them this wouldn’t have happened.”
To add to the good news, it was also Lydia’s 20th anniversary as an employee of Greene King on the day when the defibrillator was finally installed. Her team at The Arrow took to Facebook to congratulate her, saying: “She makes coming to work not feel like work and always puts a smile on the faces of new and regular customers. Congratulations on this great milestone. Here is to many more years.”
A further £500 was raised for a children’s hospital, which involved Lydia and her Assistant Manager Heather doing a glow-in-the-dark 10-mile walk in the snow and as a team, they also did a PJ day in the pub. Last but definitely not least, every December The Arrow hosts the ‘Gedling Toy Run’, donated toys are collected at The Arrow for underprivileged children, and the Salvation Army collects and delivers them.
We are honoured that we have been able to play a role in this fantastic community initiative and help supply this lifesaving equipment to support Team Arrow and bring down the cost of a defibrillator for this team of charity fundraisers.
Explore more London Hearts success stories by reading our blog.
The defibrillator we supply is the advanced dual functioning Mindray C1A Defibrillator, which is ideal for people of all ages. Not only does this model carry out daily self-diagnostic tests, meaning maintenance is extremely limited, but more importantly it can be applied to both an adult and a child at the flick of a switch, rather than having to waste valuable time changing the defibrillator pads.
Unfortunately, there are more than 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests across the UK every year, but less than one in ten people survive. The cost of a defibrillator can be expensive, meaning there are not enough currently available and over 60% of the public doesn’t feel confident using one. The more defibrillators that are accessible and the more people trained in how to use them, the better the chance of survival for someone who suddenly collapses from a cardiac arrest.
London Hearts is a charity aiming to help and support communities with the provision of heart defibrillators and teaching CPR/defibrillator skills. London Hearts can provide charity grant funding towards the cost of a defibrillator and storage, as well as a FREE online training video on how to use this all important life-saving equipment. Click the button below to obtain your own funding for a defibrillator today.
We welcome applications from any organisation or charity around the UK! If you’re looking for funding for a defibrillator apply online here.
Have a project in mind? Get in touch with us today. You can give us a call on 02070432493 or drop us an email at info@londonhearts.org
Sedgley Ex-Serviceman’s Club unveiled a defibrillator in honour of a former member who sadly died after suffering a cardiac arrest.
The staff and members at the Sedgley Club raised the money for the new defibrillator in Bill Farmer’s honour.
There are more than 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests across the UK every year, with less than one in ten people surviving. The more defibrillators that are accessible and the more people trained in how to use them, the better the chance of survival for someone who suddenly collapses from a cardiac arrest.
Bill Farmer sadly died in 2021, and since then, there have been race nights arranged and other fundraisers to get the money to fund the nearest defibrillator, which has been installed outside the Sedgley club.
Ian Dallaway, from the Sedgley club, said: “We always thought if there had been a defibrillator in the club at the time, then something could have been done for Bill.
“Although the air ambulance and ambulances came, perhaps if we had a defibrillator on site, it could have made a difference.”
Sedgley Club Members dug deep and raised the money needed for the CPR machine and the cabinet in which it is housed.
The defibrillator we supply, which is ideal for people of all ages, is the advanced dual functioning Mindray C1A Defibrillator. Not only does this model carry out daily self-diagnostic tests, meaning maintenance is extremely limited, but more importantly, this model can be applied to both an adult and a child at the flick of a switch, rather than having to waste time changing the defibrillator pads.
Ian added: “But we raised the money needed and brought the machine; we installed it this weekend, and it is outside the club so if members of the public need to use it they can.”
The London Hearts defibrillator charity aims to help and support communities with the provision of heart defibrillators and teaching CPR/defibrillator skills. We can provide Charity Grant Funding towards the cost of a defibrillator and storage, as well as a FREE online training video to help people feel comfortable using a CPR machine when a cardiac arrest occurs.
With survival falling by around 10% every minute without CPR, it’s vital you know the skills to try and save a life. One day, someone you love might need help using the nearest defibrillator.
We would love for you to share your defibrillator story with us, whether that be an individual experience or part of a defibrillator project. It could help promote the importance of defibrillators and, in-turn, save lives.
London Hearts welcomes applications from any organisation or charity around the UK for help with starting your defibrillator project!
Apply for a defibrillator online. Alternatively, get in touch with us by calling our team on 02070432493 or dropping us an email at info@londonhearts.org.
The trustees of Maldon-based charity, the David Randall Foundation, conceived an idea in the spring of 2022 to identify potential sites for defibrillators in and around the Maldon district. They were then to arrange for the installations as part of a community-wide defibrillator charity project.
Neil Foster, trustee of the foundation announced. “To commemorate their 10th Anniversary in 2022, the DRF looked at sites that were in residential areas and where it could be time critical to access the nearest defibrillator within a matter of minutes and benefit a large number of households.”
If used within the first minute of a cardiac arrest occurring, the survival rate for victims can be as high as 90%. For every minute that defibrillation is delayed, however, the chance of survival decreases to 10%.
That is why it is important to raise funding for a defibrillator in your area, as it could lead to more lives being saved. Anyone can get involved by checking out our fundraising page, and you can also learn how to apply for a defib.
Over twelve months, the project came to fruition, and the DRF are delighted to announce that the following sites now have defibrillators and pads fitted externally. They are accessible 24/7 and have all been registered on “The Circuit,” the national defib network, to work in conjunction with the emergency services.
While the current project has reached its conclusion, the DRF is open to suggestions as to additional sites for the future and ways they can help with the cost of a defibrillator. Please contact Neil@davidrandallfoundation.org to discuss this further.
We are honoured that we have been able to play a role in this fantastic community initiative and help supply this lifesaving equipment to support The David Randall Foundation.
The London Hearts defibrillator charity was honoured that we were able to play a role in this fantastic community initiative and help supply this lifesaving equipment to support the David Randall Foundation. Browse our blogs to find out more about what we do for local communities.
If you want to set up a defibrillator, we welcome applications from any organisation or charity around the UK!
If you have a project in mind, you can contact us here or call us on 02070432493.
