REFORM PUSH FOR DEFIBRILLATORS ON BIRMINGHAM WASTE COLLECTION VEHICLES

REFORM PUSH FOR DEFIBRILLATORS ON BIRMINGHAM WASTE COLLECTION VEHICLES

A Reform UK Birmingham proposal to put lifesaving defibrillators on Birmingham City Council vehicles is now being investigated by the Council.

Following discussions led by Cllr Darren Colling, the Council’s Director of Waste & Street Scene has confirmed that officers are looking at how defibrillators could be introduced across the Council’s fleet on a phased basis.

That could include waste collection vehicles, which are out in communities across Birmingham every day.

Cllr Darren Colling said:

“Every minute matters when somebody suffers a cardiac arrest and we know that early CPR and defibrillation can more than double someone’s chance of survival.

“With our waste collection and other Council vehicles out in communities across Birmingham every day, it makes sense to investigate whether some of those vehicles could carry defibrillators and bring lifesaving equipment closer to somebody who suddenly needs it.”

Cllr Jex Parkin, Leader of Reform UK Birmingham, said:

“This is a simple, practical idea with the potential to save lives.

“I’m pleased the Council is now investigating how it could work and also whether suppliers’ social-value commitments could help fund it with the aim of delivering the scheme at no additional cost to the taxpayer.”