Rushmoor Borough Council Policy and Project Advisory Board Meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 29th November, 2023 were agreed as a correct record.

The Board welcomed Emma Lamb, Community and Partnerships Service Manager and Nick Seal of the Artery Project, who were in attendance to provide a presentation on the current position and requirements for defibrillators and bleed kits across the Borough. The presentation gave details on current accessibility and maintenance, an assessment of cost commitments and recommendations for expanding the provision of defibrillators and bleed kits, across the Borough.

The Board were made aware of The Circuit, a national defibrillator network that mapped the location of devices across the UK, and connected them directly to the appropriate ambulance service, who held access details for each unit in their area. It was noted that not all defibrillators were registered on The Circuit, therefore not allowing for a true picture of the number of devices across the UK to be known. Locally, it was estimated that there were 138 defibrillator units in Rushmoor, (51 in Aldershot and 87 in Farnborough), 30 of which were accessible to the public and available 24/7. It was advised that 95 of these were registered on The Circuit. 

The Board reviewed the cost of purchasing and maintaining defibrillators. A unit cost between £850 - £1400 and additional costs included installation, storage cabinets and running, training and maintenance costs. It was noted that there were a number of funding streams to apply for to assist in purchasing and installing defibrillators.

It was advised that their was currently no central database for the location of Bleed Kits, however the ambulance service were currently working on the implementation of a service to register kits. It was noted that bleed kits cost in the region of £85 - £200 and had an expiry date, which required them to be replaced more frequently.

In conclusion, it was felt that there had been a range of coverage across the Borough, but the full picture was unknown. It had also been important to ensure that all defibrillators were registered on The Circuit. Gaps that had been identified were linked to areas of deprivation and high footfall, i.e. town centres. The Board discussed other areas where gaps may be an issue, including public open spaces, including tennis courts and other sporting facilities, industrial sites, supermarkets, 24hr garages etc.

The Board discussed the presentation and were advised that training sessions lasted 1-1.5hrs, but training was not necessary to use the equipment. It was also noted that defibrillator units were subject to vandalism and theft and some were fitted with a code to access them, the code was provided by the ambulance service as required.

Other matters raised by the Board, included:

·         The need for more bleed kits and knowledge of their location

·         Consideration be given to bulk buying of equipment to secure discounts

·         Engage the community to take the lead on securing defibrillators and bleed kits in their areas

The Board agreed that a survey and needs assessment was necessary to assess the full picture of provision for both defibrillators and bleed kits across the Borough. The work should also consider on-going costs and training needs. It was also suggested that a meeting could be held with a local company, that provided such equipment, to scope possible ways of working.

The Chairman thanked Emma and Nick for their presentation.

The Board noted the Current Work Plan, and were advised on the following issues:

·         at the meeting in March 2024, the Board would consider a refresh of the Climate Change Action Plan 2023-26

·         Executive Head of Operations, James Duggin would provide a written update on the Bins for Boys project raised at the previous Progress Group meeting

·         A meeting would be held on 26th February, for Members of the Board’s Progress Group to consider the Council’s repsonse to the Hampshire County Council Future Services Consultation