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More than 800 patients across Sunderland benefited from community defibrillators in 2024, which were made possible through an important local partnership.
North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has worked with the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), Sunderland City Council, the British Heart Foundation, and the Red Sky Foundation to boost residents’ access to these life-saving pieces of equipment in the event of a cardiac arrest.
Sunderland now has 400 defibrillators registered on The Circuit with a named guardian, 222 of which are available 24/7. Sunderland has 14.6 defibrillators per 10,000 population which ranks it 229th out of 374 UK local authorities (or equivalent in the devolved nations). The national average is 18.2 per 10,000 population. The latest 29 defibrillators will raise the figure to 15.6 defibrillators per 10,000 population.
“This investment was all about giving our residents the best chance of survival if they have a cardiac arrest by increasing the availability of defibrillators in our communities as well as making sure more volunteers are trained to use them.
“These new defibrillators complement existing resources in the community and have helped bridge the gap in areas that were underserved as well as helping increase public awareness.”
Sunderland Councillor Kelly Chequer, deputy leader and cabinet member for health, wellbeing and safer communities.
Using data provided by the British Heart Foundation, along with intelligence-led cardiac arrest data specific to the Sunderland area, the locations of the defibrillators were strategically selected to maximise impact. Priority was given to communities with high levels of deprivation, an older population, heavy footfall, and lower health check uptake—ensuring the devices reached those who needed them most.
All of the new defibrillators were registered with The Circuit, the national defibrillator network. This integration means North East Ambulance Service’s 999 call handlers can guide members of the public to the nearest available device quickly and efficiently during an emergency.
In 2024, the North East Ambulance Service responded to 5,764 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests across the region. Of these, ambulance crews attempted resuscitation on 2,263 patients. The service’s health advisors deployed the use of a defibrillator 7,425 times across the region, and 823 in Sunderland.
“This project represents a major investment in the health and safety of the people of Sunderland. By increasing access to defibrillators and expanding our community first responder network, we are giving people the tools they need to act confidently in the face of cardiac emergencies. Lives will be saved because of this.
“We are proud to work alongside our valued partners to make Sunderland a safer place. Together, we are creating a community that is not only better equipped to respond to emergencies—but more empowered to save lives.”
Deputy chief operating officer for the North East Ambulance Service, Victoria Court.
In addition to the defibrillator rollout, the funding also supported the creation of 10 new community first responder (CFR) schemes in areas including Concorde, Washington, Farrington, Roker, Ryhope, Hylton Castle, South Hylton Shiney Row, and Harraton.
These volunteers completed their training with the service in April, and are ready to be dispatched by the service to deliver lifesaving care in the critical first minutes before an ambulance arrives. Their proximity to the local communities they serve plays a crucial role in improving survival chances for patients and provides a vital service to ambulance service colleagues.
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