Fifteen new life-saving defibrillators are to be installed at more railway stations in Essex.

The Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been funded by the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership.

Seven Automated External Defibrillators are already installed at Southend Victoria, Prittlewell, Rochford, Rayleigh, Hockley, Wickford and Billericay.

The new AEDs will be installed over the summer at these stations:-

Althorne, Burnham, Clacton, Colchester Town, Dovercourt, Frinton on Sea, Great Bentley, Harwich, Kirby Cross, Mistley, North Fambridge, Thorpe-Le-Soken, Walton and Wivenhoe stations

The devices monitor the hearts activity and give instructions to the user and can deliver a shock to someone in cardiac arrest. In the first instance the user calls 999 to be given access to the box.

Community Rail Officer, Jayne Sumner, said, “Statistics show that 20% of cardiac arrests occur in a public place.

“There is compelling evidence that defibrillation at the earliest possible point after a person collapses can significantly increase their chances of survival, so it’s vital that this life saving equipment is available in public places, particularly somewhere very busy like rail stations.’

Greater Anglia’s Community and Customer Engagement Manager, Alan Neville, said, “The defibrillators mean that we are well prepared to provide assistance in the event of a first aid emergency.

“We’re very grateful to the Community Rail Partnership for funding these defibrillators which could mean the difference between life and death for someone.”

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