Saving Lives Together: Leading Heart Researcher Joins Weston Defib Campaign
By Josh Bell, Charitable and Schools Correspondent
The Donate For Defib Weston-super-Mare (W-s-M) Project in Somerset, continues to make vital strides in improving public access to life-saving defibrillators and CPR education, thanks in part to the passionate involvement of leading cardiovascular experts.
Dr Stephen Harmer, Senior Lecturer in Cardiovascular Science at the University of Bristol, has joined the project’s growing clinical team to support and advance its mission.
Working alongside Professor Graham Stuart and clinical lead Richard Heyler, Dr Harmer brings both academic expertise and a deep personal commitment to the initiative.
This initiative aims to ensure every community in Weston-super-Mare has ready access to defibrillators and high-quality CPR training.
“Since joining the Donate For Defib Weston-super-Mare Project in late 2024, I've been amazed by its rapid success and the incredible drive of the team,” said Dr Harmer.
“My laboratory-based research focuses on understanding why life-threatening arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) occur in young people, and this work underpins my strong support for the Donate For Defib W-s-M Project's mission. Having a publicly accessible defibrillator located nearby greatly increases the chance of survival for someone experiencing a cardiac arrest. This is why every single additional defibrillator installed because of this project is incredibly important. I am very much looking forward to contributing to the development of research and education themes that expand the reach of this amazing project.”
Dr Harmer's research into the mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias aligns seamlessly with the project’s goal to educate the public and promote rapid, effective responses to cardiac emergencies.
The Donate For Defib W-s-M Project, founded by dedicated community members and health professionals, is transforming the cardiac arrest response landscape by expanding defibrillator access and providing CPR awareness sessions across the region.
To learn more about Dr Stephen Harmer’s role and how you can support the Donate For Defib initiative, visit:
👉 https://donatefordefibwsm.co.uk/support-from-dr-stephen-c-harmer/
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