Rushcliffe: Project to improve access to defibrillators at sports venues

A project designed to improve access to life-saving defibrillators at sports venues is under way in Nottinghamshire.

Rushcliffe Borough Council has, so far, worked with 14 venues to provide new devices and make existing ones more accessible.

It has also provided CPR and defibrillator training to venue staff and volunteers.

The project is part of the council's Safe Hearts in Sport initiative and is supported by government funding.

The aim of the project is to equip venues, sports clubs and their coaches and volunteers with the tools and resources to ensure they are prepared to deal with a cardiac emergency.

New defibrillators have been provided for five venues, while others have received additional equipment such as new batteries, paediatric pads and prep kits.

Aslockton and Orston Football Club is based at Orston Recreation Ground, one of the venues to have benefitted from the project.

The club's existing defibrillator has been installed outside in a new cabinet and will be available 24 hours a day.

Participating venues are registering with the national defibrillator network The Circuit, which provides NHS ambulance services with vital information about defibrillators across the UK.

Martin Hallam, chairman of Aslockton and Orston Football Club, said: "Our defibrillator is so much better and more accessible for our 12 teams now that it's been moved outside.

"Previously, we had a device stored inside which was only available on certain days but to now have one available 24/7 is just fantastic and can be used by anyone close by such as the local allotment society, equestrian centre and dog walkers."

Councillor Abby Brennan, deputy leader and cabinet portfolio holder for business and growth, said: "In recent years there have been several local incidences of sudden cardiac arrest affecting the sporting community, so raising awareness and equipping our sporting venues with accessible defibrillators could save a life if someone has a cardiac arrest."

Defibrillators can be found at the following sports clubs and venues:

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