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Friday 5 Feb 2021

New defibrillators installed at stations in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

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Eastern

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Lifesaving defibrillators have now been installed at six railway stations in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. 

The new equipment has been fitted at Cleethorpes, Grimsby, Huddersfield, Hull Paragon, Malton and Scarborough stations thanks to a partnership between TransPennine Express (TPE) and Network Rail.

Situated in prominent locations at each station, the defibrillators can be used by members of the public or station staff. Each requires a key code which can be obtained by dialling 999 and once activated, will provide clear instructions to follow while waiting for the emergency services arrive.

A defibrillator is a device which delivers a high-energy electric shock to help restore a stable heart rhythm and using one to provide at least one shock to somebody experiencing cardiac arrest could increase their chance of survival by more than 50 per cent.

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs 140,000 times a year in the UK and defibrillation is most effective if delivered within four minutes from the time of the cardiac arrest.  

Funding for the defibrillator installation has been provided by TPE, through its Community Rail Partnership Growth Fund.

Liz Collins, Interim Managing Director for TransPennine Express commented: “I’m sure that the installation of new defibrillators at these stations across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire will be very welcome news for our customers.

“Our stations are a key part of the communities we serve and are normally busy public places used by lots of people. Every second counts when it comes to suffering sudden cardiac arrest and the new devices could save someone’s life one day.”

Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Access, North Yorkshire County Council commented: “North Yorkshire County Council welcomes the further investment TransPennine Express is making. Defibrillators save precious time and can improve survival odds for residents and travellers alike in and around our normally busy railway stations.”

Dawn Sweeting, Community Safety Manager for Network Rail, said: "We're really proud to have teamed up with TransPennine Express to install defibrillators at railway stations across the Yorkshire region.

“We’re committed to the safety of passengers, staff and people who live near the railway. This work follows a project where we worked with the community in Selby, as well as rail industry partners and local businesses, to install a defibrillator at Stubbs Walden North level crossing.

“Whilst we hope they never have to be used, this vital equipment has the potential to save lives as every second counts when someone suffers a cardiac arrest."