Appeal launched to find missing defibrillator in Cheltenham
Community campaign calls for help to locate vital life-saving device
A Cheltenham-based community campaign is appealing for help to locate a missing defibrillator last accessed on 14th December.
Public Hearts, a not-for-profit and voluntary initiative founded by Clare Seed, aims to ensure publicly accessible defibrillators are widely available to save lives during cardiac arrests.
The missing defibrillator, designated number 54, was typically located at Fioro Lounge on Bath Road but has not returned to its cabinet after being used.
Defibrillator #54 is a ZOLL AED Plus model, bright lime green and housed in a black carry case resembling a medium-sized handbag. If anyone has used the device or knows its whereabouts, they are encouraged to contact Public Hearts at 01242 371999.
Clare told Greatest Hits Radio the campaign has been working with the South West Ambulance Service and local guardians to locate the missing defibrillator, but the appeal is now reaching out to the wider public to amplify efforts.
Without a defibrillator, the chances of survival during a cardiac arrest are extremely slim.
The device is an “electrical tool that encourages the restoration of a regular sinus rhythm” and is crucial in the moments of a medical emergency.
The campaign started back to 2017 when a lack of defibrillators in Cheltenham town centre were highlighted through Clare's work in first aid training.
The town, which hosts festivals year round attracting significant numbers of visitors, now boasts one of the highest levels of defibrillator coverage in Europe thanks to the contributions of the community and Public Hearts’ efforts.
Clare also urged the public to familiarise themselves with the locations of their nearest defibrillators and highlighted a free app, ‘Defib File,’ which can identify devices across the country.
Defibrillators are designed to be used by anyone without prior training, with prompts clearly provided to guide accidental heroes through the process of saving lives.
Public Hearts is welcoming volunteers to join in their campaign efforts and take part in looking after defibrillators across the Gloucestershire region.
Dog walkers and anyone passing by defibrillator cabinets are encouraged to ensure they are clean and ready for use.
Clare said, “This simple device can really make the difference between the quality, duration, and course of somebody's life. It’s the only device that can do the job during a cardiac arrest.”