Bin lorries get life-saving defibrillators

Bin lorries in East Yorkshire have been fitted with Automated External Defibrillators (AED) to help people suffering from a cardiac arrest.

Crews have also been given training in using the devices which deliver an electric shock to restore the heart's normal rhythm.

The £60,000 project is funded by a government grant and will see the machines carried by all 80 council refuse vehicles.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council said it was working with Yorkshire Ambulance Service to share each waste truck's tracking data, so first responders can locate the nearest one if needed.

Councillor Paul West said: "We believe this is the first time in the UK that defibrillators have been fitted to bin lorries and I'm delighted the East Riding is leading the way.

"Our bin lorries travel thousands of miles on their rounds each week, visiting some of the most rural and remote places in the East Riding, so they are perfect to carry these life-saving devices just in case they are needed."

AEDs are portable devices and are designed for public use without training in emergencies while waiting for paramedics to arrive.

The council said initial use of AEDs had been proved to increase patient survival rates by more than 70%.

Andrew Fowler, refuse collection crew member, said: "I think it's a good thing, especially in some rural areas we go to. There's still some places that don't have defibrillators, so I think it's great for people to have access to these machines.

"We are out everywhere. Everyone can see us. I think it's just an added extra to everything we do.

"Hopefully, we don't have to use them but, obviously, if we do, we're there and we'll be able to offer support for anybody that needs them."

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