All 46 of Tyne and Wear Metro’s new fleet of Stadler trains are to have two life-saving defibrillators on board, one in each driver’s cab, making a total of 92 defibrillators.

Defibrillators are just one of many advancements to be found in Metro’s new Class 555 trains. They are designed to deliver an electric shock to a person’s chest after they have suffered a cardiac arrest to restore their heart to a normal rhythm, and are intended for use by anyone in public places.

They are often found in schools, airports, leisure centres, hospitals, clinics and ambulances, whilst Nexus has previously installed them at three of its busiest stations, Monument, Haymarket, and Heworth, but never on board its trains.

The first of the new trains are due to service at the end of this year, with two already delivered and Metro drivers undergoing training at the controls of the new trains. The new trains will also undergo rigorous testing to ensure that they interface correctly with Metro’s signalling systems and other infrastructure.

Metro’s current rolling stock is 43 years old and will be progressively replaced by new trains up to 2025. Their modern include linear seating, charging points, air conditioning, and a step-change in accessibility with an automatic sliding step at every door. That will allow seamless boarding, making travel easier for Metro’s 50,000 wheelchair passengers, and people with children’s buggies, luggage, or bicycles.

Major Projects Director at Nexus, Cathy Massarella, said: “Defibrillators are a fantastic and life-saving addition to our new Stadler train fleet.

“We are getting 46 new trains and every single one will have two defibrillators on board for use in the event of a medical emergency. These devices save lives when someone suffers a cardiac arrest. I am sure our customers will be pleased to hear that all of our trains are going to have them.

“The new Metro fleet is going to be transformational for Metro and this is one of the many wonderful, modern new features of this £362m project.”

Adrian Wetter, project manager for Stadler, said: “Stadler trains are built with the passenger in mind. All of the features in the saloon are to make the travel experience safe, reliable, comfortable and convenient, relying on the best technology available. We are pleased that, working with Nexus, we are able to install defibrillators in each train, promoting the health and wellbeing of passengers and potentially, saving lives.”