Community Defibrillators Step Up Five Times in One Day in Weston-super-Mare
By Josh Bell, Charities Correspondent
A network of community-funded defibrillators helped support emergency responses across Weston-super-Mare after being taken to five incidents within just 24 hours.
The milestone, recorded on Sunday 9 March 2026, highlights the growing impact of the Donate For Defib Weston-super-Mare Project, which has been expanding access to life-saving equipment across the town.
During the day:
- Four defibrillators were taken as a precaution to emergencies to ensure equipment was available if needed.
- One defibrillator was deployed during an active incident.
While not every emergency requires a defibrillator to be used, having one nearby gives people experiencing cardiac arrest the best possible chance of survival while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
Community Support Making a Real Difference
All five devices involved were installed thanks to the generosity of the local community.
- Four defibrillators were funded by local venues, who stepped forward to help protect residents and visitors.
- One defibrillator was funded through the Defib Legacy in Memory Programme, where a family created a lasting tribute to a loved one that could help save lives in the future.
The Donate For Defib project team say moments like this demonstrate why publicly accessible defibrillators are so important.
Project Lead Josh Bell said:
“Since we launched the Donate For Defib Weston-super-Mare Project in August 2023, our defibrillators have been connected to The Circuit – The National Defibrillator Network.
"Having five devices taken to incidents in a single day is the highest number we have recorded so far and shows just how valuable they are to the community.”
So far in 2026, defibrillators installed through the project have already been tasked to 32 incidents across Weston-super-Mare.
Early Access Saves Lives
Cardiac arrest can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. Quick access to a defibrillator significantly improves survival chances by delivering a shock that can restart the heart.
Emergency services also rely on publicly accessible devices to help provide rapid treatment before ambulances arrive.
In February 2026, partners at Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) attended 39 cardiac arrest incidents, representing 23% of all call-outs across North Somerset.
Professor Graham Stuart, Clinical Lead Ambassador for the project, said:
“There is absolutely no doubt that early cardioversion can be life-saving for patients experiencing cardiac arrest. The earlier it takes place, the better the outcome.
"Increasing the number of publicly accessible defibrillators in our communities is one of the most effective ways to achieve this.”
Helping Protect the Community
The Donate For Defib Weston-super-Mare team say the continued support from residents, businesses and families is what makes the project possible.
Every additional defibrillator installed increases the chances that life-saving equipment will be available when someone needs it most.
You can support the project and help protect your community by donating here:
https://greatwesternairambulance.enthuse.com/cf/donate4defibs
