Defibrillators for hire from Speedy

Potentially life-saving agreement announced between Cardiac Science and Speedy Services

FROM April 2013 companies will be able to hire Powerheart G5 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) as part of an extensive range of health and safety equipment, thanks to a groundbreaking commercial agreement between Cardiac Science and Speedy Services.

The initiative is the first of its kind in the UK and will give health and safety specialists within organizations the opportunity to provide full cover against the possibility of employees suffering sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), whether working in permanent or temporary locations.

The new fifth-generation Powerheart G5 AED is the first device of its kind to combine real-time cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidance, customized patient therapy and fast shock times.

It is designed to allow both professional rescuers and first-time users to swiftly provide effective life-saving therapy to aid a person who has suffered SCA. It will be available from Speedy’s Depot & Superstore network, providing a convenient and affordable way for businesses to access this life-saving device.

Shaun Ingram, UK managing director of Cardiac Science, said: ‘There are 100,000 deaths from SCA each year in the UK; responding quickly with a device that ensures high-quality CPR with defibrillation can help save a life.

‘We believe that we provide the best equipment and support available in our sector. We recognize, however, especially in today’s economic environment, that capital budgets are tight, so we’ve teamed up with Speedy Services to provide a solution to this problem.

‘Their business model is based around service, equipment hire and training provision for organizations of all sizes, which will make the process of accessing our AEDs easier, especially where the need is short term.’

Speedy Services say incorporation of the Powerheart G5, consumables and accessories into their equipment portfolio is a natural extension of their leading equipment rental and service provision to the industrial, infrastructure, construction and events sectors across the UK, where health and safety requirements are becoming more demanding.

By making it easier for businesses to deploy AEDs throughout their operations, it will ensure that in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest occurring, the best-possible therapy is available to the victim within the critical first three minutes after the event, before the emergency services arrive at the scene.

Danny Riley, Speedy Services’ senior supply chain manager played the lead role in creating the agreement. He said: ‘I’m delighted that we are working with Cardiac Science to provide a workable solution for our customers, so that they, in turn, can provide their employees across the UK, wherever they are working, with what we believe to be the best AED-based therapy available.’