Maritime charity funds installation of defibrillators in ports and seafarer centres
A Southampton maritime charity has helped fund the installation of defibrillators across the UK.

The Seafarers Hospital Society (SHS) will provide and install 20 defibrillators in ports and seafarer centres as part of its ongoing health outreach programme.

The project, which received funding from Department for Transport via Southampton maritime charity the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB), is aimed at preventing heart-related fatalities.

This comes after identifying a growing prevalence of heart disease in coastal communities.

Stuart Rivers, chief executive of the MNWB, said: “Every minute that passes without CPR or defibrillation reduces the chances of survival by up to 10 per cent - and this project will help save lives.

“These much-needed defibrillators will ensure ports and seafarer centres across the UK will feel more equipped to deal with a crisis.

“This is just the start, and we are delighted to be supporting this programme.”

The aim of the project is to install 20 Lifeline Automated External Defibrillators (AED) across the UK by the end of 2023.

Treatment with a life-saving shock from an AED is a key factor in increasing a person’s chance of survival in the event of a heart attack.

SHS specifically chose AEDs as they can be used safely and effectively without requiring previous training.

Sandra Welch, CEO of SHS, said: “We know that approximately 460 people die every day from heart and circulatory problems in the UK, and seafarers are increasingly among these numbers.

“Many of these deaths remain preventable, and our goal is to ensure that we minimise loss of life by providing life-saving equipment across ports and seafarer centres around the UK.

“We are grateful to the Department for Transport and the Merchant Navy Welfare Board for supporting our efforts to look after the heart health of seafarers and, most importantly, helping to save lives.”

An AED has already been installed at the Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest (QVSR) in London.

Alexander Campbell, CEO of QVSR, said: “With 170 residents and 50 staff on the premises each day, it is reassuring to know that should there be a medical emergency we have a defibrillator on site.

“This important piece of equipment could save someone’s life and we are grateful to The Seafarers Hospital Society for championing this cause.”