Speedy Hire is installing defibrillators (AEDs) in its engineer vans across the country, enabling more people to get access to this life-saving equipment.
Initially, 18 Speedy Hire engineer vans will be installed with the devices, expanding to over 300 by the end of the year. Led by Speedy Hire, the initiative is supported by British Heart Foundation (BHF), Trustford, Lex and Aero Healthcare.
Speedy Hire is also registering over 150 AEDs installed at its depots to the Circuit, the UK’s national defibrillator network, making it easier for emergency services and the public to find their closest device.
Statistics from the British Heart Foundation show that over 30,000 people in the UK suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year. Sadly, less than one in 10 survive, making access to a defibrillator a matter of life or death.
Aaron Powell, fleet director of Speedy Hire, said: “We are very proud to be launching this life-saving initiative today. Every minute without CPR or defibrillation reduces the chances of survival by up to 10% and our national presence through our engineer vans and depots enables more people to access the vital equipment in their time of need.
“This is a very important cause for Speedy Hire, having team members who have affected by heart issues in the past. We are committed to supporting not just our employees but also the communities in which we operate to help make a positive impact, particularly in those areas without easy access to a defibrillator.”
Judy O’Sullivan, director of innovation in health programmes at BHF, added: “We know that less than one in 10 people who have an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year survive so this is a really positive initiative from Speedy Hire.
“When a cardiac arrest happens, prompt CPR and use of a defibrillator gives someone the best chance of survival and so having members of the Speedy Hire team being equipped to help save a life could make all the difference in a medical emergency.
“This important work also highlights just how vital it is for everybody to learn CPR – you never know when you might end up needing it.”
Speedy Hire first partnered with the British Heart Foundation in 2021 to support its work. It’s since donated £25,000 to help raise awareness of hidden heart conditions and raise vital funds for lifesaving research. Speedy Hire also installed 170 defibrillators across its depot network in 2021.
