Rail network adds defibrillators to all platforms

A rail operator has installed "easy-to-use" defibrillators at all of its stations.

c2c has 26 stations across South Essex and London, which run between Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness.

The company said the machines were located in highly visible, bright yellow boxes and required no training to use.

Joe Hendry, head of stations at c2c, said: "It's really important for us to be able to provide the tools for both the public and our staff to make sure that everyone goes home safe every day."

The project had cost more than £10,000 so far, but Mr Hendry indicated that the investment had already paid for itself.

"We've had real-life experiences at c2c where members of the public have had cardiac arrests," he said.

"These defibrillators have already saved lives on our network."

He advised the public to call 999 first, after which the call operator will provide a code to unlock the boxes.

The machines will then provide instructions via a voice recording to take users through the process.

"Our defibrillators don't require any training," he said

"There are instructions on each one of the defibrillators that tell you what to do."

Margaret Mullane, MP for Dagenham and Rainham, said: "There are more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year, and currently less than one in 10 survive.

"It is great to see our local railway taking steps to protect our community in this way, and I would urge everyone to take a moment to find out where the defibrillator is at their local c2c station."

All defibrillators were available on platforms during the station's opening times, alongside the operator's new Bleed Kits.

c2c's managing director, Rob Mullen, said: "Of course, our hope is that the people of our local communities never have the need to use these incredible pieces of equipment, but if they do, we are proud to be able to offer it."

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