Community Defibrillator Service

Introduction 

As a Local Authority we recognise the role we can play in supporting local communities to be safe and healthy places to live. 

Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s) are portable devices that can be used on someone having a cardiac arrest. They check the heart rhythm and send an electric shock to the heart to try and restore a normal rhythm. They have been in wide use for many years and form part of the standard equipment that paramedics, ambulances and first responders carry. 

In the event of someone suffering a cardiac arrest, the time it takes to administer aid is critical. Having access to a nearby defibrillator can greatly reduce the amount of time it takes to administer lifesaving support. They give the best possible chance for someone to survive until medical services arrive. 

What to do if you witness someone in cardiac arrest

1. Start CPR and ring 999
2. The 999 operator will advise you if there is a defibrillator nearby and give you the code to access it. Send another person to get the defibrillator if possible. If you are alone continue CPR and don’t leave the person 
3. When you have a defibrillator follow the instructions to open it. It will begin talking to you and give clear verbal instructions on how to use it. 

Visit the St John website for more information and a video on how to perform CPR.

Visit the St John website for more information and a video on how to use a defibrillator.  

What can you apply for?

Our Community Defibrillator Service offers new defibrillators for communities and maintenance for new and existing devices.  

New Community Defibrillator 

This service is providing fully equipped and fitted community defibrillators. Each awarded location will receive the following: 

• Brand new Automatic External Defibrillator 
• First responder kit 
• Secure external cabinet 
• Installation and connection to power 
• CPR & Defibrillator training for the community 

Funding contribution (match funding)

We are part funding each defibrillator awarded. A financial contribution must be made for each defibrillator applied for. This can come from the organisation applying, local fundraising and donations or grant funding. You can’t use other West Lindsey District Council funding as your contribution towards this service. 

A contribution of £400* is required for each defibrillator. This will be payable prior to any installation and can be made by cheque or BACS transfer. 

*The contribution amount is subject to change.  

Who can apply to this service? 

The following types of organisations are eligible to apply: 

• Town Councils
• Parish Council
• Social Enterprises
• Community Groups
• Registered Charities
• Local Authorities & Public Sector
• Voluntary Sector Organisations
• Community Interest Companies
• Companies Limited by Guarantee
• Local Authorities & Public Sector
• Faith or Religious organisations
• Schools or Academies

Maintaining your Defibrillator

The electrode pads and battery inside the defibrillator are consumable products. Electrodes need replacing every time they are opened, and batteries have a limit on the number of shocks they can administer. Our membership service offers a single annual payment to avoid unpredictable expenditure.  

Membership to the service includes the following:

• Replacement battery and electrode pads following expiration
• Replacement battery and electrode pads as required following device deployment
• A loan device, (within 24 hours of deployment) until the original device is located and checked
• Quarterly maintenance check
• Access to online status reporting tool
• Cabinet heater and lock repair or replacement

Cost

The cost of joining the membership is £100 per year. Upon joining the service, you will be invoiced for the full amount for the year.  

How to apply?

To register for a new community defibrillator or membership please complete the Registration Form.

Before registering please read the Membership Brochure. 

You can submit your completed registration form form via email to: defib@west-lindsey.gov.uk 

Contact details 

If you have a query about this service or need further advice please contact us via email: defib@west-lindsey.gov.uk