MISSEDABEAT and Chilton Community Join Forces to Improve Access to Lifesaving Equipment
- Mark Preston
- Nov 18
- 3 min read
MISSEDABEAT and Chilton Community Join Forces to Improve Access to Lifesaving Equipment.
To mark the installation of new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) on the Miners' Welfare Recreation Ground, Chilton Club FC players, football fans of all ages, and Miners’ Recreation Ground Trustees took part in hands-on CPR training delivered by NERAMS paramedic Ben Hardy.
Fewer than 1 in 10 people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK. However, survival rates increase significantly with timely CPR and early defibrillation. The most crucial factor is the time to defibrillation and, when an AED is used—particularly in sport-related cardiac arrests—survival rates can be as high as 85–90%. Yet, less than half of UK adults have learned CPR.
Sue Reece, Chair of Trustees, said:
“We are pleased to have installed defibrillators on both the Charlie Wayman Field and Pavilion Park. Equally important is our partnership with the football club and NERAMS Ltd, which helps us build on the ‘Restart a Heart’ campaign so that members of our community feel confident to use them.”
One of the AEDs, located outside the Charlie Wayman Field, is for outdoor use and has been mounted on a bespoke stand designed by one of MISSEDABEAT’s partners. Although both AEDs are installed outdoors, the Charlie Wayman Field unit is available 24/7 and is clearly visible from the roadside, positioned conveniently near the bus stop to ensure maximum accessibility in an emergency.
The defibrillators and bleed-control kits were donated by the MISSEDABEAT charity, supported by National Gas. MISSEDABEAT is currently focusing support on areas served by National Gas, including Chilton, Spennymoor and Bishop Auckland. Additional support has come from Tesco, whose contributions have helped MISSEDABEAT fund the production of even more bleed-control trolley kits, increasing their availability across the region and ensuring communities have rapid access to lifesaving equipment.
MISSEDABEAT has installed more than 70 community defibrillators and close to 100 portable defibrillators, all either fully funded or part-funded by the charity. Their ongoing mission is to raise awareness and improve access to lifesaving equipment during emergencies. MISSEDABEAT would also like to thank the Chilton community for their donation, which will help support future lifesaving projects and extend the charity’s impact even further.
The charity is also encouraging other communities who wish to add bleed-control kits to their defibrillator cabinets to get in touch.Anyone interested can reach out to Mark—let’s work together to add this vital, lifesaving equipment to more locations.
Both AEDs and bleed kits were installed by David English on behalf of Chilton Town Council. MISSEDABEAT would like to thank David for taking on the responsibility as Guardian of both devices and the bleed-control kits, ensuring that regular checks are carried out. David has also ensured that both defibrillators are registered on The Circuit and that the bleed-control kits are registered on the GoodSAM website, meaning they are fully linked to the emergency services and accessible when needed most.
Money raised on the day from refreshments during the awareness event has been donated to the Miners’ Welfare Recreation Ground Charity Trust to support pitch maintenance.
Additional Note
MISSEDABEAT extends its thanks to everyone who attended, volunteered, and supported the event. Your participation not only strengthens community safety but also helps raise essential awareness that could save lives.
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