South Western Ambulance Charity launches £400,000 defibrillator appeal

The South Western Ambulance Charity has launched the ‘Save a Heart Appeal,’ a £400,000 fundraising campaign to upgrade 288 defibrillators used by Community First Responders (CFRs) across the South West.

CFRs are trained volunteers who often arrive at emergency scenes before ambulance crews. The charity intends to replace existing equipment with ZOLL AED3 defibrillators. These new devices feature advanced capabilities compatible with ambulance service technology, which is expected to improve clinical decision-making and streamline patient handovers.

Zoe Larter, head of charity at South Western Ambulance Charity, noted that the upgrade will provide volunteers with tools that work alongside ambulance crew technology to assist in critical moments. The charity is seeking support from individuals, businesses, and community organizations through various fundraising activities.