Stuart Anderson MP rallies more support for life-saving South Shropshire charity
Stuart Anderson MP is rallying support for a life-saving medical charity at the heart of his South Shropshire constituency. Clun Valley AED Scheme provides access to Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in the local community, having established a network of 35 defibrillators over the past decade.
The Scheme also responds to emergency referrals from West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) in cases where cardiac arrest is suspected, offering emergency resuscitation to the patient until WMAS arrive. Yet, the team of volunteers have not received any training from WMAS in nine years since their initial induction. So, Stuart has written to the Chief Executive of WMAS, calling for greater engagement and outreach within the local community.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) causes 100,000 deaths in the UK each year. There are 60,000 incidents of SCA each year in community settings. Defibrillators can provide vital life-saving treatment in such cases. If used within the crucial first few minutes of a cardiac arrest, the chances of survival increase to as high as 70%.
Yet around 54% of those in South Shropshire are in a ‘defib desert’, where there is no quick access to a public defibrillator in the 3-5 minute window that is considered essential for survival. Aside from the NHS and some first aid charities, most sales are taxed at the full 20% VAT - meaning the total cost can be as high as £2,500. So, Stuart has also asked the Chancellor to remove VAT from sales to enable greater public access to defibrillators. If it does so, the British Healthcare Trades Association has reported there could be 6 defibrillators for every 5.
In addition, the previous government launched the Community Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Fund to provide £1 million to expand the number of defibrillators in community spaces across England. Organisations were then invited to bid for a share of £1 million of government funding to buy life-saving defibrillators for community spaces like town halls, local parks, and post offices. With applications closing on 21st September, Stuart has requested an extension to increase availability, particularly in more remote communities. Stuart also encourages organisations interested in applying to visit www.defibgrant.co.uk.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
“It was a great pleasure to meet the Mayor of Clun Cllr Ryan Davies together with Andrew Parry and Ian Owen from Clun Valley AED Scheme. Defibrillators can provide vital life-saving treatment. When used within the crucial first few minutes of a cardiac arrest, the chances of survival increase to as high as 70%. Better provision of defibrillators and enhanced training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation could save more lives of those who have a cardiac arrest outside hospital settings in rural areas like ours. Clun Valley AED is the largest scheme in Shropshire, if not the whole country. They play a vital role in our local community, by responding to emergency referrals from West Midlands Ambulance Service.”
Stuart added:
“While they have grown a significant network of 35 defibrillators over the past decade, West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) has not provided training for nine years. Quite understandably, the volunteers believe that lives are at risk unless up-to-date training is provided, and more community engagement takes place. So, I have asked the WMAS Chief Executive to resolve the issues with more training and engagement in order to prevent potential loss of life. I have also asked the Chancellor to remove VAT on all sales of defibrillators and expand the Community AED Fund to enable greater access to this life-saving equipment.”
