Northumbria Police will be the first force to have defibrillators in every response car
They say it is a significant milestone that will save lives
Last updated 26th Jun 2025
Northumbria Police will soon be equipped with 154 defibrillators, enough for every single response car across the force – thanks to the incredible generosity of the Red Sky Foundation, a North East based charity dedicated to helping little hearts and their families.
The donation, valued at nearly £200,000, means the Force will be the first force in the country to have defibrillators in every response car.
This is a groundbreaking step that will better equip officers, who are often the first on scene, to respond to cardiac emergencies and, without a doubt, save lives.
This donation is also a huge step forward in terms of officer safety and public health.
The partnership between Northumbria Police and the Red Sky Foundation began with a life saved. Shortly after a Sunderland AFC football match at the Stadium of Light, officers responded swiftly and effectively to a cardiac emergency involving a football fan in Sunderland city centre.
The officers’ intervention meant they saved the life of Phil Wright.
Their outstanding actions not only made a critical difference in that moment — they also left a lasting impression.
Following the incident Phil’s wife Celia reached out to express her heartfelt gratitude.
Northumbria’s officers, who were involved in the response, set things in motion to help shape the vision for what could be possible.
Now, with the support and a generous donation from Red Sky Foundation, that vision is becoming a reality.
The Red Sky Foundation, set up by Sergio and Emma Petrucci MBE in 2020 to support families affected by heart disease, has since raised over £2.5million, making a hugely positive impact to hospitals and communities across the UK.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hall, of Northumbria Police, said: “First and foremost I’d like to thank the Red Sky Foundation for this truly life saving donation.
“Without your support and fundraising, this wouldn’t have been an achievable milestone for Northumbria Police to reach.
“Having a defibrillator in every single response car across the Force is going to make a huge difference to how we respond to cardiac arrests and ultimately, the outcome.
“I’d also like to thank the officers who have worked closely with the Red Sky Foundation to help make this happen, your outstanding dedication will quite literally save lives.”
He added: “Being there when the public need us is our utmost priority at Northumbria Police. Be that offering protection, deterring someone from a life of crime, or saving a life.
“This donation is a huge step in the right direction in us achieving our aim of keeping people safe.”
The defibrillators are expected to be installed and in use in all response cars force-wide by this July.
Sergio Petrucci, founder of the Red Sky Foundation said: “We know that the police find themselves in situations every day where time is of the essence.
“And that is certainly true when someone is having a cardiac arrest and every minute counts.
“Being able to supply all of the response cars with a defibrillator will hopefully help save numerous lives and will be an example that I’m sure other forces will want to follow.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “I hugely welcome having these life saving devices in our police cars and my thanks go to everyone who has played a part in making this initiative happen.
“As we know, in emergencies, every second counts and the quicker there is access to a defibrillator, the better the chances of survival.
“My plan for the region is to have safer and stronger communities and this defibrillator roll-out is a welcome move helping deliver on both those things.”