Defibrillators for Parish Councils: A guide to community defibrillators and bleed kits  

Defibrillators and bleed kits are designed for different types of emergencies but are often stored together so that local people know exactly where to go when an incident occurs.   

If you already have a defibrillator installed in your community, reviewing bleed control provision is useful. Think about the activities that take place at local facilities, the equipment already available and any gaps identified through first aid that needs assessment.  

Martyn’s Law may also be a consideration for councils responsible for qualifying premises expecting 200 or more people at once, or certain events expecting 800 or more. The requirements of the legislation are not yet in force and it does not impose a blanket requirement to supply defibrillators or bleed kits, however, providing suitable equipment can support wider emergency preparedness.  

Where should a community defibrillator and bleed kit be installed?  

The best location for a defibrillator is somewhere people can find and access it quickly in an emergency. A familiar building can be a good starting point but the opening hours and surroundings are also important to consider.   

Potential locations include:  

• Village halls and community centres  

• Sports pavilions and recreation grounds  

• Local shops and other central community buildings  

• Facilities serving parts of the parish with limited existing coverage  

These are all locations that people within the local community will be aware of and know how to get to them quickly. This is what makes them ideal locations for a defibrillator.  

When considering the location for a community defibrillator, think about the route someone might take to get to it and whether anything will prevent them from accessing it. For example, is there a locked gate that will prevent access at certain times of day? Is the cabinet easy to see from the road or footpath? Could someone unfamiliar with the location find it?  

If possible, plan for access throughout the day and night. A defibrillator inside a village hall that’s only open for a few hours a week isn’t going to be practical. On the other hand, a defibrillator that’s going to be accessible at all times will require other considerations such as protection from the elements and vandalism.  

How to choose the right defibrillator for your parish council  

While all AEDs are designed for the same purpose, to deliver a potentially life-saving shock to someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, there are a range on the market, all of which are suitable for different applications.  

 When looking at the options, think about how each defibrillator would work in your community and what it will cost to keep it maintained.   

Useful questions to ask your supplier include:  

• Does the device provide clear spoken and visual instructions?  

• How does the device support use on children, and are separate pads or accessories required?  

• What storage conditions does it require?  

• How long do the pads and battery last, and what do replacements cost?  

• What warranty and ongoing manufacturer support are available?  

When budgeting for and purchasing the defibrillator, consider other factors such as a cabinet, signage, installation and maintenance too.  

For parish councils managing several locations, think about whether using the same model across every location would simplify checks and replacement stock.  

How much should a parish council budget for a defibrillator?  

The total cost of the device will depend on the device you choose, whether you need a cabinet, who will be installing the device and whether you’re storing additional items such as a bleed control kit.  

Ensure local residents know where the equipment is and how to use it  

Adding a new piece of equipment to your community is a great opportunity to build awareness of the device and how to use it. Having the equipment available is only useful if your residents know where it is, what it is and have the confidence to use it if an emergency occurs.  

Use the parish newsletter, website, noticeboards and local groups to explain where the defibrillator has been installed, why and how and when to access it. You can also share the information with local organisations.  

A checklist for your next parish council meeting 

Before approving a new defibrillator or the first defibrillator in your local area, work through the following questions:  

• What equipment is already available locally and when can it be accessed?  

• Is there a specific location that would benefit from having a defibrillator?  

• Have the permission, storage and installation requirements been agreed?  

• Does the budget cover both purchase and ongoing maintenance?  

• Should a bleed kit be included?  

• Who will register the AED and keep the details updated?  

• Who will carry out ongoing maintenance?  

• How will residents learn where the equipment is?  

• What will happen if equipment is used in an emergency?  

Answering these questions will give your parish council a clear plan for purchasing, installing and maintaining community equipment.