Defibrillators in Schools

In Parliament, I recently co-chaired a joint meeting on behalf of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Defibrillators and the APPG for Education, where I serve as Vice-Chair. The meeting brought together experts to discuss the importance of improving access to defibrillators and CPR training in schools.

We heard evidence and testimonies from Michael Bradfield (Resuscitation Council UK), Mark King OBE (Oliver King Foundation), Jamie Richards (AEDdonate), Dan Osborne (Jay’s Aim), and Samuel Mangoro, a cardiac arrest survivor.

Their stories—ranging from life-saving defibrillator interventions to tragic losses caused by sudden cardiac arrests—underscored the need for legislation to enhance defibrillator access, support those affected by traumatic incidents, and expand training provisions.

This discussion demonstrated that accessible defibrillators and widespread CPR training in every school and community are essential to saving lives.

Following the meeting, I wrote to the Department for Education requesting a nationwide review of defibrillator access in schools and CPR training. I will keep you updated on the progress.