Life-saving defibrillators installed on East Riding bin lorries in UK first
Innovative project aims to boost community safety during bin collections
Defibrillators have been installed on all bin lorries in the East Riding as part of a pioneering initiative believed to be a UK first.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council has fitted life-saving defibrillators to its fleet of 72 refuse trucks to assist with medical emergencies during bin collections.
With the introduction of weekly brown bin food waste collections, the number of lorries carrying defibrillators will rise to over 80.
The council’s bin crews will receive training in CPR and operating the defibrillators, known as Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), which deliver an electric shock to the heart during cardiac arrest and can increase survival rates by more than 70%.
The £60,000 project is funded by a Government grant aimed at improving road safety and reducing casualties. Act Fast First Aid, a Beverley-based company, will provide the defibrillators and training for the crews free of charge.
Councillor Paul West, cabinet member for environment and transport, expressed pride in leading the initiative and praised the bin lorries' extensive travel routes as ideal for access to these devices during emergencies.
Andrew Fowler, a refuse collection lorry driver, supported the move, highlighting the benefit to rural areas lacking access to defibrillators.
Annual first aid training for drivers will include the use of AEDs, and regular servicing will ensure the defibrillators are maintained properly.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is committed to the Vision Zero principle, advocating for no road deaths or serious injuries and supporting safer communities.