Transport for Wales (TfW) has begun work on the installation of more than 200 lifesaving defibrillators at its railway stations.
The first phase of the programme will see 53 TfW defibrillators installed at stations across Wales and the borders.
The remaining defibrillators are set to be installed this spring and will be uploaded onto the British Heart Foundation’s portal called The Circuit.
This will be done in partnership with St John Ambulance, the Resuscitation Council UK and the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives.
The Circuit maps defibrillators for NHS ambulance services meaning members of the public can be directed to the nearest defibrillator in the crucial moments after a cardiac arrest.
Jeremy Williams, TfW Head of Stations commented on the initiative to install lifesaving equipment across Wales and the borders.
Mr Williams said: “Our defibrillators are so important in helping those who may experience a cardiac arrest, be they TfW customers, colleagues or someone in the local community.
“We already have some defibrillators across the Wales and Borders route and these additional 200 machines will become a valuable life-saving resource.”
The Welsh Ambulance Service and British Heart Foundation Cymru strongly support the initiative.
Adam Fletcher, Head of British Heart Foundation Cymru spoke on the importance of installing defibrillators at stations.
Mr Fletcher said: “Every second counts when someone has a cardiac arrest.
“Alongside CPR, prompt use of a defibrillator is critical in giving them the best chance of survival.
“To put it simply – being able to access a defibrillator could be the difference between life and death.
“We know defibrillators save lives and it’s why we are so proud to be working with TfW.
“They’ve made a big investment to get 200 defibrillators out across the rail network.
“We hope other organisations will follow their example.”
Sadly only 5% of people in Wales who suffer from an out of hospital cardiac arrest survive.
The defibrillators will be installed at TfW stations over three phases.
Featured image/video - Transport for Wales
