Two community-funded partnership initiatives to install new lifesaving defibrillators across Richmond Council parks

We are working with The Richmond Heavies Foundation (TRHF), the charitable arm of Richmond Rugby, and The Paul Alan Project to install three new public-access Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in Heathfield Recreation Ground, Old Deer Park, and Carlisle Park. Separately, Friends of Richmond Green, working with The Paul Alan Project, will be installing a new AED at Richmond Green.

Did you know that there are more than 4,200 cardiac arrests that happen out of hospital every year in London? This is a medical emergency when someone’s heart stops beating, and every second matters.

This is why public access to AEDs in as many community settings as possible is so important. While these already exist in some high-traffic places like railway stations, schools, places of worship, and some community centres and shops, more are needed in our community spaces to achieve the recommended coverage, particularly in parks and open areas.

The funding for the three new sites is provided by TRHF to support the provision of AEDs and associated training for local sports clubs and community groups. In addition, The Paul Alan Project has partnered with TRHF to supply the devices, lead on training and take responsibility for their ongoing maintenance.

In addition, Friends of Richmond Green, are funding a new AED for Richmond Green, working alongside The Paul Alan Project to further strengthen lifesaving provision in this well used community space.

The Paul Alan Project said: "We are so proud to be collaborating with Richmond Heavies and working with the Council on these vital lifesaving installs."

Installations have been prioritised at locations with high levels of physical activity, such as sports pitches, fitness hubs, clubs, and community activity sites. As a community, we are committed to supporting people to be more active but as safely as possible and the Council is grateful to The Richmond Heavies Foundation and Friends of Richmond Green for their support.