Train operator Greater Anglia has announced that more life-saving defibrillators have been installed at railway stations on their network.

Thanks to funding from the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership and the Community Rail Network, 15 more of the defibrillators have been installed, bringing the total funded by the partnership to 22.

The Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) join the ones which have already been installed at Southend Victoria, Prittlewell, Rochford, Rayleigh, Hockley, Wickford and Billericay railway stations.

The Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership is funded by Greater Anglia, Essex County Council and local organisations, authorities and partners and helps keep the rural lines in Essex thriving.

The defibrillators can be used by anyone. The storage box can be opened by calling 999 and a code is given to open the box. Instructions are given by the machine and it will deliver a shock to someone if they are in cardiac arrest.

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 and Community Rail Network for funding these defibrillators which could mean the difference between life and death for someone.”

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