A new publicly accessible defibrillator has been installed on Oxford Road in west Reading, thanks to the efforts of South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) Public Governor Tony Jones and the support of the John Sykes Foundation.
The new external defibrillator (AED), sponsored by the John Sykes Foundation, is located on one of west Reading’s busiest routes, helping to increase access to potentially lifesaving equipment in the local community.
The defibrillator will be officially unveiled on Tuesday 11 August, bringing together representatives from SCAS, the John Sykes Foundation and the local community.
The installation marks another success for Tony, who has now helped to secure three publicly accessible defibrillators in the past year as part of his commitment to improving access to lifesaving equipment and raising awareness of cardiac arrest.
Colin Dennis, Group Chair of South Central Ambulance Service, said:
“It is fantastic to see another publicly accessible defibrillator being installed in Reading, particularly in such a busy location where it has the potential to make a real difference in an emergency.
“I would like to thank the John Sykes Foundation for sponsoring this important piece of lifesaving equipment, and our Public Governor Tony Jones for his determination in helping to make it happen. This is now the third defibrillator Tony has helped to secure within the past year, which is a tremendous example of how our governors can work with local organisations and communities to make a tangible difference.
“Early CPR and access to a defibrillator can be crucial when someone suffers a cardiac arrest, and every new publicly accessible AED helps strengthen the chain of survival. I hope initiatives such as this also encourage more organisations and communities to consider what they can do to improve access to lifesaving equipment.”
Tony Jones, SCAS Public Governor, said:
“The need for publicly available defibrillators which can be accessed at any time of day or night is not widely known. I cannot thank John Sykes enough for the commitment he has shown to the provision of a new defibrillator at such a high-profile position on the Oxford Road. There are still defibrillator deserts across Reading and this new addition will help address the gap in this busy part of town.”
The John Sykes Foundation works to support organisations and projects that benefit people and communities in Reading, and its sponsorship has enabled the new AED to be made available for use in west Reading.
SCAS continues to work with communities and partners to raise awareness of cardiac arrest, CPR and the importance of rapid access to defibrillators.
When someone is in cardiac arrest, every minute matters. Members of the public should call 999 immediately and begin CPR. The ambulance service call handler will provide instructions and, where appropriate, direct callers to a nearby registered defibrillator.
The new AED adds to the growing network of publicly accessible defibrillators across the area and represents another step towards ensuring more people have access to lifesaving equipment when it is needed most.