North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is encouraging communities in Burnley, Pendle and the Ribble Valley to re-establish thousands of local defibrillators that have fallen out of use.

While there are over 11,000 publicly accessible defibrillators in the north west, estimates suggest that close to 3,000 are offline and no longer usable in an emergency. This can be for several reasons, but often, it is because there is no longer anyone responsible for its upkeep and maintenance.

Defibrillators are a vital tool in the chain of survival when someone suffers cardiac arrest. Immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation can more than double the chances of survival.

During an emergency 999 call, NWAS utilises "The Circuit," a national defibrillator network managed by the British Heart Foundation. This system connects defibrillators to NHS ambulance services, allowing emergency call handlers to swiftly direct bystanders to the nearest device.

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is encouraging local communities to re-establish thousands of local defibrillators that have fallen out of use

placeholder image — North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is encouraging local communities to re-establish thousands of local defibrillators that have fallen out of use

However, to remain registered in the system, owners or guardians of the defib need to keep it maintained regularly to ensure it is usable and working when required. Batteries and the pads which attach to a patient's chest also need to be replaced on expiry.

Mark Evans, NWAS Community Engagement Lead, said: “We know communities often raise money to install life-saving equipment in public spaces. We are trying to raise the fact that the responsibility for the device does not simply end once it’s bought.

“It requires somebody to keep it maintained and operational. Often, one of the myths about these devices is that we are responsible for them once they are put up. However, that is not the case. There needs to be a dedicated person who ensures that, when needed, it can be used. We will take devices off the system after 90 days if we don’t get that notification, ensuring that we never send someone to devices that won’t help them in an emergency.

“We want to make sure as many of these devices are available as possible. We encourage all owners of publicly accessible defibrillators to register their defib on the network, as we even know some aren’t registered. This can be done www.thecircuit.uk.”