Our Involvement in the APPG for Defibrillators

At AEDdonate, we are passionate about saving lives through the wider availability and use of defibrillators. As part of our commitment to improving cardiac arrest survival rates across the UK, we are proud to be actively involved in the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Defibrillators (APPG for Defibrillators).

What is the APPG for Defibrillators?

The APPG for Defibrillators is a cross-party group made up of Members of UK Parliament from all political parties. The group works collaboratively to raise awareness, influence policy, and promote best practice in the provision and use of defibrillators (also known as Automated External Defibrillators or AEDs) throughout the country.

APPGs are informal groups that bring together parliamentarians and external stakeholders to focus on specific issues. The APPG for Defibrillators provides an important platform for sharing knowledge, discussing challenges, and driving positive change in cardiac arrest response.

The Five Key Recommendations of the APPG

As part of its mission to improve survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest, the APPG for Defibrillators has set out five key recommendations:

1. Mandate Defibrillators in All Publicly Accessible and New Buildings

Why: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur predominantly in homes and public spaces. Defibrillators can significantly increase survival rates if used promptly.
Action: Use existing legislation, such as the Building Safety Act, to require defibrillators are installed and maintained in all newly constructed or renovated buildings frequently accessed by the public.

2. Equip All Emergency Vehicles with Defibrillators

Why: First responders are critical in cardiac arrest emergencies, but many emergency service vehicles currently lack defibrillators.
Action: Mandate defibrillators in all police cars, ambulances, and fire service vehicles to ensure life-saving equipment is always available.

3. Expand and Standardise CPR and Defibrillator Training in Schools

Why: Equipping young people with Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillator skills ensures future generations are prepared to act during emergencies.
Action: Mandate age-appropriate first aid training, including CPR and defibrillator usage, in primary and secondary schools and integrate this into the school curriculum.

4. Introduce Targeted Screening for Cardiac Conditions

Why: Screening young people and those with a family history of cardiac conditions can identify risks early and prevent sudden cardiac deaths.
Action: Implement a targeted, national cardiac screening programme modelled on successful initiatives in countries like Italy.

5. Improve Post-Cardiac Arrest Care and Mental Health Support

Why: Survivors and bystanders often face long-term physical and psychological challenges. A lack of coordinated care exacerbates recovery difficulties.
Action: Establish a formal care pathway for survivors and bystanders, including access to rehabilitation, psychological support, and post-cardiac arrest clinics.

Why is AEDdonate Involved?

As one of the UK’s leading defibrillator charities, AEDdonate brings valuable expertise, experience, and community insight to the APPG. Our involvement allows us to:

Advocate for greater access to defibrillators in public spaces, workplaces, and community settings.
Support national policy development to ensure every community is better equipped to respond to sudden cardiac arrests.
Highlight real-world impact through the thousands of defibrillators we have already placed across the UK.
Share best practice and education to improve public confidence in using defibrillators during emergencies.

Working Together to Save Lives

By contributing to the APPG for Defibrillators, we can help shape the future of cardiac arrest response in the UK. This collaborative approach means that decision-makers, industry experts, charities, and community organisations can work side by side to make defibrillators more accessible, more visible, and more understood.

We believe that with the right infrastructure, training, and awareness, survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest can be dramatically improved. Our work within the APPG reflects our ongoing commitment to achieving that goal.