Lifesaving equipment installed at 15 Essex rail stations

Stations include Colchester Town, Claton & Dovercourt.

Author: Lauren WattPublished 20th Feb 2021
Last updated 20th Feb 2021

The Life-saving defibrillators can be used by anyone and deliver a shock to treat someone in cardiac arrest.

The 15 stations have received them thanks to funding by the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership and the Community Rail Network.

If there is an incident at the station you need to call 999 to be given a code to open the defibrillator's storage box and then follow the instructions.

Stations who have benefitted include Althorne, Burnham, Clacton, Colchester Town, Dovercourt, Frinton on Sea, Great Bentley, Harwich, Kirby Cross, Mistley, North Fambridge, Thorpe-Le-Soken, Walton and Wivenhoe.

22 of the machines have now been funded as the new ones join those already at Southend Victoria, Prittlewell, Rochford, Rayleigh, Hockley, Wickford and Billericay stations.

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."