Bishop of Carlisle asks about extension of access to defibrillators to prevent Sudden Adult Death Syndrome

During a discussion on the prevalence of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADs) on 9th June 2021, the Bishop of Carlisle asked a question on the possibility of defibrillators being made more widely available as a preventative measure:

The Lord Bishop of Carlisle: My Lords, does the Minister concur with the Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes Foundation that for the 50% of SADS deaths that show no prior warning signs, rapid access to automatic external defibrillators—AEDs—is the only way to prevent many tragedies occurring? If so, do Her Majesty’s Government have any plans for expanding the number of AEDs available throughout the country, especially at sporting venues?

Baroness Penn (Con): My Lords, the Government do agree with that assessment and are putting in place, with partner organisations, a programme of work not just to expand the number available but to improve co-ordination, so that emergency services know where those locations are and can direct members of the public so that they can use that equipment where necessary.

Hansard