A CAMPAIGN to fund 15 new life-saving defibrillators for York has been backed by the city's two MPs.

Campaigners are looking for 15 local companies to donate £1,000 each, to fund the devices, to make York a 'heartsafe' city. Sponsors will have their logos displayed on the cases.

About 75,000 people a year die in the UK from sudden cardiac arrest and guidance suggests the public should never be more than 200 metres from a device in urban areas.

Both York MPs, Rachael Maskell and Julian Sturdy, have now backed the York campaign, which follows a successful similar drive in Harrogate.

Mr Sturdy, Conservative MP for York Outer, said “This is an incredibly worthwhile scheme as I am sure anyone who has had a friend or family member affected by cardiac arrest will agree.

“Heart attacks can strike anyone at any time. I think the improved survival rates of patients treated by defibrillators within 10 minutes speak for themselves, where the chance of survival soars from 3 per cent to 75 per cent."

York Press:

York MPs Rachael Maskell and Julian Sturdy

Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central, said: “There is no time to waste when someone’s heart stops. Having defibrillators across the city will save lives. I fully support the campaign to encourage businesses to fund additional defibrillators to be located in different parts of the city and support the Private Members’ Bill on November 20 for Compulsory Emergency First Aid Education.

"Defibrillators talk anyone through what they need to do in an emergency, so anyone can use them and save a life. I congratulate everyone who is involved with the initiative.”

Campaigner Matthew Baynham has said there are some defibrillators in York but not necessarily registered with the 999 services, meaning call handlers are unable to direct people to them when they call in an emergency.

All the new devices would be logged with Yorkshire Ambulance Service, and existing defibrillator owners are also asked to register their devices.

Any businesses interested in sponsoring a defibrillator and anyone looking for more information should email matthew.baynham@heartsafecommunities.co.uk