First solar powered defibrillator unveiled in Hertfordshire

Residents of Hertfordshire will now benefit from a new solar powered defibrillator recently installed in a green public space. Hearts for Herts, a local charity headed up by paramedic Justin Honey-Jones, marked the special occasion with a ceremony attended by local dignitaries and councillors. It marks 18 months of hard work for the charity that is focused on tackling cardiac arrest and health inequalities in the county.

This is the 15th solar powered defibrillator cabinet to be installed in a public space in the UK and is a partnership between Hearts for Herts, Hertfordshire County Council and Broxbourne Council.

Supplied by Turtle Defib Cabinets, the public access defibrillator and bleed control kit is, says Justin, a new tool in the armoury to ensure access to lifesaving equipment in remote areas and green spaces.

The cabinet, dedicated to the memory of Stewart Lewis for his relentless support to the charity, is located in Barclay Park, Hoddesdon. The county may have four others should an application to The National Lottery Community Fund be successful.

“We are relentless in our pursuit of tackling cardiac arrest and health inequalities and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure both rural and urban areas have equal access to lifesaving equipment.”

Justin Honey-Jones,Chair, Hearts for Herts.

The defibrillator is now registered on The Circuit and is locatable by East of England Ambulance Service.

The industry will once again be gathering at the NEC, Birmingham for The Emergency Services Show, co located with The Emergency Tech Show on 18-19 September, check out the full exhibitor list here. You can find defib cabinet supplier, Turtle Engineering in Hall 5, on stand A212.