Defibrillators to be installed in police vehicles thanks to charity

Lifesaving defibrillators are set to be installed in all force response and neighbourhood vehicles thanks to the generosity of Red Sky Foundation.

Officers on the ground will now have even quicker access to the vital equipment after the cardiac healthcare charity raised £185,00 to purchase 140 defibrillators and replacement AED pads.

The foundation has been working with Durham sergeant, Terry Archbold, after his daughter Beatrix suffered heart failure at just 16 months old.

Thankfully Beatrix was gifted new life after undergoing a heart transplant in 2023 and is now thriving.

Sgt Archbold joined Red Sky Foundation founder Sergio Petrucci and fellow officers, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Christopher Cunnington-Shore and Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen, as the defibrillators were officially unveiled at a special ceremony at police headquarters this morning (October 16).

The launch coincided with national Restart A Heart Day to raise awareness of cardiac arrest and the importance of early CPR. 

Another special guest was DCI Simon Turner, who recently had his life saved by a defibrillator after collapsing at the gym. DCI Turner is now on the mend but praised the work of the charity, noting the importance that a defibrillator played in his collapse that day.

Durham Constabulary Chief Constable Rachel Bacon said: “Defibrillators are an amazing piece of kit that can be the difference between life and death so we are delighted to have received this generous donation from Red Sky Foundation.

“Our officers are already trained to use defibrillators as part of their enhanced first aid training but having these units in all our Response and Neighbourhood Policing Team vehicles will now mean they can be even more effective in the instances when they need to help someone suffering a cardiac arrest.

“The foundation is also close to our own hearts after they supported Sgt Archbold and little Bea, and we fully support the important work they are doing to give patients the best chance of survival.”

Sgt Archbold added: “This is a brilliant initiative that will make a huge difference to people’s lives and having the backing of a charity like Red Sky Foundation is just phenomenal.

“Our whole family is really keen to support this work and hopefully see it rolled out country wide.”

Since it was launched in 2020, the charity has raised more than £2.5m to buy equipment for cardiac units across North East hospitals and to install defibrillators in public places across the region.

The force is the second police force to be gifted the units after Northumbria Police also installed them in their vehicles this summer.

The Durham project was led by Business Services Manager Jade Baker and her team who have been working tirelessly to secure the units which will allow officers to be better equipped for medical emergencies they might come across and ultimately save lives.

Mr Petrucci said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to support Durham Constabulary and give their officers the equipment which can save lives.”

“Time is always of the essence when someone suffers form a cardiac arrest and for police officers often arriving first on the scene with a defibrillator to hand can make a huge difference and it can dramatically increase the chance of survival. 

“Police officers are often the first on the scene and being able to react quickly and give this vital treatment will literally be life changing.”

Commissioner Allen added: “This incredible donation from Red Sky Foundation will undoubtedly help save lives across County Durham and Darlington.

"Our officers are often the first to arrive at critical incidents, and having defibrillators in every response and neighbourhood vehicle gives them the best possible chance to intervene swiftly in a cardiac emergency.

"I’m proud to support this initiative, which not only enhances public safety but is also a powerful example of partnership between policing and our community. Huge thanks to Red Sky Foundation for their tireless work and compassion.”

It is hoped more police forces will be able to be equipped with the life-saving technology in the coming years, with the foundation hoping to take their campaign all the way to Parliament.

For more information visit: Red Sky Foundation – HELPING LITTLE HEARTS AND THEIR FAMILIES