How can you get funding for a community defibrillator?
Having a defibrillator on your premises might be the difference between a cardiac arrest victim living or dying. Anyone can suffer from a heart attack, regardless of age or lifestyle, so it’s important to make sure that your establishment is well prepared for the worst-case scenario with a defib machine.
Government Funding for Defibrillators
In partnership with the NHS, the UK government has set up a national supply chain in which schools, colleges, nurseries and playgroups will be able to get funding to install a defib machine at their premises at a reduced cost.
There is no legislation in place stating that educational institutes like these must have a defibrillator fitted, but we recognise that should the worst happen and a teacher, parent or student should suffer a cardiac arrest, then a nearby AED would massively improve the chances of survival.
Funding for defibrillators in England
In 2016, the government pledged £1m to the Department of Health in order for defibrillators and CPR training to be better accessed by the public in hopes of increasing the survival rate for out-of-hospital heart attack and cardiac arrest victims.
How do I get a free defibrillator in the UK?
If your public location is in need of a public access defibrillator, you can apply online for government funding. Working alongside the UK government, charities, such as the British Heart Foundation, can support the purchase or rental of a defib machine for local communities.
You can apply for one of 3 packages, all free from the government:
- Public access defibrillator, CPR training kit and a cabinet
- Public access defibrillator, CPR training kit
- Cabinet to improve accessibility to a current defibrillator
Who can apply for funding?
Any organisation can apply for defibrillator funding from the government.
Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible for funding from the British Heart Foundation including GP Surgeries, schools, police and private companies.
Rented Defibs are the Cheapest Option After Funding
There are a few different options available for those ineligible for government funding or those who feel that they can’t afford a defib machine. Fundraising is not only a great way to bring your community, school or business together, but it also provides a platform to raise money and educate people on how important defibrillator funding really is.
Defib machines also offer rentals, so from just £1 a day and including training, onsite health checks, maintenance and signage, you could save money and save lives with our Defibrillator Rental Packages.
Get A Community FUnded Defibrillator with Defib Machines
If you would like to know more about the range of defibrillators and AEDs that Defib Machines supply, then please get in touch with our expert team today who are happy to assist and advise on any queries you have. Call us on 0800 0852 733 or contact us online for a call back at your request.