Defibrillators now in libraries, schools and leisure centres across borough

Defibrillators have been installed in all 12 libraries and eight leisure centres across Southwark.

Additionally, Southwark Council has offered all schools in the borough an automated external defibrillator (AED), with 75 out of 90 schools having at least one defibrillator installed so far. These devices are crucial in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, potentially saving lives in critical situations. With more than 30,000 out-ofhospital cardiac arrests occurring across the UK annually and survival rates at less than one in 10, access to these life-saving devices can significantly improve emergency outcomes. The defibrillators, which provide clear step-bystep voice instructions, can be used without prior training. They check a person’s heart rhythm and administer a shock only if need. Users cannot accidentally shock themselves or others. In an emergency, the first step is to call 999, and an operator will provide guidance on using the defibrillator.

Defibrillators are already available at various locations across Southwark, including local schools, local underground and railway stations, large offices and commercial buildings such as Southwark Council headquarters and sports clubs and leisure centres.

Leader of Southwark Council, Councillor Kieron Williams said: “We are delighted to have fulfilled our commitment to install defibrillators across public spaces in Southwark.

“Outside of hospitals, there are more than 30,000 cardiac arrests across the UK every