Cleveland Installs Defibrillators Nationwide

Recognising that every second counts during a cardiac arrest, Cleveland Group began the year by raising awareness and encouraging all staff to take part in the RevivR CPR mobile training, run by the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

As part of this initiative, we also conducted a comprehensive review of our existing first aid and safety measures. Through this process, we discovered that while a defibrillator was available at our headquarters, many of our depots were located more than 100 yards from the nearest AED (Automated External Defibrillator) access point. Additionally, all of these AEDs were listed as having restricted access.

To address this and ensure that our staff, visitors, contractors, and the local communities surrounding our depots have access to life-saving equipment, Cleveland’s SHEQ Director, Paul Kell, explored available options. With prior knowledge of Missed a Beat and their expertise in installing defibrillators, he reached out to see how they could support Cleveland's initiative.

Founded by Mark Preston in the North East of England, Missed a Beat began its work in Newton Aycliffe and has since expanded across the region, placing defibrillators in key locations to ensure rapid access when needed most.

At Missed a Beat, we work with a wide range of organisations - from sports clubs and public venues to businesses and parks - ensuring that crucial equipment is accessible during an urgent situation. It’s fantastic to see Cleveland placing defibrillators across all of its locations, reinforcing their commitment to safeguarding both their staff and the wider community.

Mark Preston, Founder of Missed a Beat

Ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees, visitors, and the wider community is a top priority at Cleveland. With the chance of survival from cardiac arrest rising to 90% if CPR or, ideally, an AED is administered within the first few minutes - and dropping by 10% with each passing minute - our goal was to ensure access to an AED within that critical window.

Partnering with Missed a Beat has enabled us to install these life-saving devices at all our locations, making them readily available to anyone in need, whether on-site or within the surrounding community.

Paul Kell, SHEQ Director at Cleveland

These life-saving devices are primarily intended for staff and internal use but are also registered on the national defibrillator network, making them accessible to the wider community during designated hours. This integration with the national circuit connects the devices to a central database, enabling emergency services to direct callers to the nearest available defibrillator when needed. With the addition of these defibrillators, Cleveland Group is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of both its employees and the surrounding communities.

Find your nearest defibrillator here.