Hopes solar-powered defibrillator will save lives

2 hours ago

News image — The new defibrillator was opened by the Mayor of Workington and Megan Stephenson

Workington Town Council A group of five people in a line standing in front of the yellow defibrillator box. Megan Stephenson is in the middle left, in a green NWAS uniform and holding a certificate alongside the mayor who is middle-right. He is wearing a checked blazer and has the ceremonial chain around his neck. — The new defibrillator was opened by the Mayor of Workington and Megan Stephenson

A defibrillator powered by wind and solar power has been installed in a village.

Barepot, a tiny hamlet in West Cumbria, was the first place in the area to receive the device and now a second has been installed in Siddick, near Workington.

The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) worked with the manufacturers to create the defibrillator as a solution to the lack of power in rural areas.

Labour councillor Michael Heaslip, chair of the environment committee for Workington Town Council, said the defibrillator cabinets "ensure 24/7 availability, even in locations without a reliable power supply".

Workington Town Council A close up of the defibrillator which has solar panels on top of the yellow box. It is in a field surrounded by a wooden and wire fence. — The new defibrillator was installed in Siddick

Megan Stephenson, community resuscitation engagement officer for Cumbria at NWAS, said the installation of the second device means that "life-saving equipment is both sustainable and accessible for residents and visitors alike".

"With 24/7 access to the defibrillator, this installation significantly enhances the community's ability to respond in an emergency, especially in an area where the mains electricity supply can often be unreliable," she said.

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