Defibrillators for West Norfolk railway stations

They're being installed across the Great Northern network

Author: Sharon PlummerPublished 16th Oct 2021

Govia Thameslink Railway has confirmed all 238 of their stations - including King's Lynn and Downham Market - are to get defibrillators installed.

The rail operator has made the announcement to coincide with Restart a Heart Day.

The machines can help in the event of someone suffering cardiac arrest.

Sam Facey, Head of Zero Harm in the Safety & Health team at Govia Thameslink Railway, said:

“By fitting these life-saving AEDs, we believe we’ve made a genuinely positive contribution to the communities across our vast network, which covers London and nine counties.

“All our defibrillators are publicly accessible, so of huge benefit not only to those travelling with us but also the communities we serve. They’re fully automatic – anyone can use them – and our staff are being given familiarisation training.”

Sue Hampshire, Director of Clinical & Service Development at Resuscitation Council UK, said:

“The installation of defibrillators at all Govia Thameslink stations is a fantastic move, and we encourage passengers and the wider community to develop the skills and confidence to use these lifesaving machines. It’s important that people can access defibrillators in busy areas, where they are likely to be needed.

“Restart a Heart, which takes place on or around 16 October, is all about getting hands on and learning essential skills in CPR and defibrillation, and we’d encourage everyone to get involved so they can help someone if they collapse and stop breathing. Learn more about how to get hands on with Restart a Heart here.”

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