Stoke-on-Trent North MP Jonathan Gullis urged the Health Minister to increase public access to defibrillators in a debate in Parliament. On the day of the APPG for Defibrillators’ Annual Report Launch, Gullis argued that it’s one of the Government’s top priorities for saving lives. As Chair of the Group, Gullis stressed that increasing public access is vital alongside teaching more people about how to use defibrillators.
In a Westminster Hall Debate this afternoon, Jonathan Gullis led a discussion on public access to defibrillators. As Chair of the APPG for Defibrillators, Gullis has campaigned for increased access to these life-saving devices to help save lives.
Since becoming Chair of the APPG last year, the APPG has looked into action the Government could take to reduce deaths from out-of hospital cardiac arrest which has persistently low survival rates (8.5%). He pointed out there are significant socio-economic barriers to access, including regional disparities and affluence-based accessibility.
Gullis, a former teacher and School Standards Minister, also highlighted the APPG’s call for ensuring defibrillator and CPR training is accessible in schools. Whilst every school now has to have a mandatory defibrillator on site, this life-saving training is not required in first aid sessions. Jonathan argued that this should be prioritised to help prevent deaths.
Having become Chair of the APPG in January last year, Jonathan has celebrated organisations in Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke getting access to a defibrillator. This includes Linley & Kidsgrove Rugby Club, the Jolly Carter Pub in Middleport and the Ford Green Pub.
Commenting, Jonathan Gullis said: “Increasing public access to defibrillators will save lives. That’s why it should be a priority for Government. We have made great strides in the past few years to get more people access to a defibrillator, but still have a way to go to ensure everyone can access one in their time of need. I hope this debate in Parliament will raise awareness of this vital issue.”