Fleet BID funds two new defibrillators in Fleet

The Fleet Business Improvement District (Fleet BID) is pleased to announce the installation of two additional defibrillators, accessible 24/7, at Mackenzie Smith at 94 Fleet Road and Scoop at 184 Fleet Road, both in central Fleet. These life-saving devices join the defibrillator already located near Gurkha Square, providing critical access to emergency care in Fleet’s town centre. The defibrillators were installed by Fleet BID who secured partial grant funding from the government’s Community Automated External Defibrillators Fund, designed to increase the number of external defibrillators installed in public places.

This initiative was inspired by the courageous actions of Freddie Fane, a local teenager from Fleet, who saved his father’s life in August 2023. When his father, Tom Fane, suddenly became seriously ill, Freddie acted swiftly, rushing to a nearby football club to retrieve their defibrillator. Freddie’s quick thinking and immediate action were instrumental in his father’s survival, underscoring the critical importance of easily accessible defibrillators in our community.

Kevin Whibley, Chair of the Fleet BID, said: “Freddie’s story is truly inspiring. His quick response in a moment of crisis highlights how vital access to a defibrillator can be. By installing these additional units, we hope to make sure that everyone in Fleet has rapid access to potentially life-saving equipment whenever it’s needed.”

When someone experiences cardiac arrest, their heart stops effectively pumping blood, and immediate action is critical. A defibrillator works by delivering an electric shock to the heart, which can restore a normal heartbeat if administered promptly. According to information on the British Heart Foundation website, for every minute that passes without intervention, the chances of survival decrease by approximately 10%, making rapid access to a defibrillator crucial. By placing defibrillators in public areas and ensuring they are accessible 24/7, communities can empower bystanders to act quickly, providing life-saving aid before emergency medical teams arrive.

Fleet BID is committed to enhancing public safety by increasing access to these essential emergency resources in high-traffic areas. These new defibrillators are part of a broader effort by the BID to ensure Fleet remains a safe, vibrant, and supportive community for all residents and visitors.

These defibrillators are registered with The Circuit, the national defibrillator network used by all 14 ambulance services across the UK. Defib finder lists the location of defibrillators across the UK and can be accessed here: https://www.defibfinder.uk/