Sussex Heart charity to install life saving defibrillators at Southern stations

The defibrillator project is launched at Horsham station by members of Sussex Heart Charity and GTR CEO, Charles Horton (far right)

Horsham station saw the launch of a huge programme of defibrillator installations at every Southern Sussex station by the Sussex Heart Charity.

So far, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been installed at seven stations on the route from Eastbourne to Hastings. A further nine stations on the Mainline West route – from Three Bridges to Arundel - have also benefitted from defibrillators. Every Southern station in Sussex (around 70 in total) will recieve defibrillators donated by the charity.

Terry Ayres, Chief Executive Officer at the Sussex Heart Charity, said: “Since 1987 we have promoted excellence in cardiac related care, funding equipment, education and research and supporting the cardiac rehabilitation service for those with heart disease and promoting resuscitation in the Sussex community.

“The Sussex Heart Charity applauds Southern Railway in its effort to improve the standard of cardiac care and first aid skills in Sussex working in partnership with the SHC to install AEDs throughout the Sussex Railway Network. Although training is not required when using an AED, the Sussex Heart Charity will be offering Station staff the opportunity to attend Basic Life Support Training Courses.”

Govia Thameslink Railway CEO, Charles Horton said: "We're delighted to be working in partnership with the Sussex Heart Charity to have these defibrillators located at our stations. We have them elsewhere on our network and have already seen them put to good use. We know this equipment has the potential to save lives and we are really pleased to have the opportunity to support the charity in the great work that they do."

Cardiac Science (AED manufacturer) Managing Director, Shaun Ingram, said: “This donation will ensure that - should any passengers suffer a cardiac arrest – station staff or fellow passengers will be able to administer lifesaving actions before the ambulance arrives”.