Speedy to equip its van fleet with defibrillators

Speedy Hire has launched a potentially life-saving initiative, which will see more than 300 of its vans carrying portable defibrillators to help with out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.

More than 30,000 people in the UK suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year but less than one in 10 of those people survive, according to the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Defibrillators restore a normal heartbeat by sending an electric pulse or shock to the heart. They can also restore the heart's beating if it suddenly stops.

Speedy Hire has already equipped 18 engineer vans with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and is rolling the initiative out to more than 320 of its vans across the country this year.

The vehicles will be on the GoodSam app, which integrates with ambulance service CAD (computer aided dispatch) systems. It will mean that when an emergency call is received for a cardiac arrest an ambulance service will be able to locate the nearest Speedy Hire van as the vehicles are equipped with telematics.

Defibrillators already in Speedy’s depots

The initiative is being supported by the BHF and Aero Healthcare, and follows Speedy Hire installing defibrillators across its depot network in 2021.

Speedy Hire will be registering more than 150 AEDs installed at its depots to The Circuit, the UK’s national defibrillator network, making it easier for emergency services and the public to find their closest device. 

Aaron Powell, fleet director of Speedy Asset Services, said: “Every minute without CPR or defibrillation reduces a person suffering from cardiac arrest’s chances of survival by 10% and our national presence through our engineer vans and depots enables more people to access the vital equipment in their time of need.

“This is a very important cause for Speedy, having team members who have been affected by heart issues in the past. We are committed to supporting not just our employees but also the communities in which we operate to help make a positive impact, particularly in those areas without easy access to a defibrillator.”

Judy O’Sullivan, director of innovation in health programmes at BHF, added: “When a cardiac arrest happens, prompt CPR and use of a defibrillator gives someone the best chance of survival and so having members of the Speedy team being equipped to help save a life could make all the difference in a medical emergency.

“This important work also highlights just how vital it is for everybody to learn CPR – you never know when you might end up needing it.”

The move has been welcomed by Speedy’s drivers.

Matt Thompson, tool hire driver at Speedy Asset Services, said: “Having a defibrillator on the van is a great idea. It's good to know we may be able to provide assistance to someone in their time of need.”

Scheme could expand to company cars

Powell said that Speedy Hire will be looking at the option of its drivers becoming community first responders - volunteers who are trained to respond to emergency calls.

After that, he will look into rolling out the initiative to Speedy Hire’s company car fleet as it has more than 600 cars spread throughout the country.

This is the latest commitment by Speedy Hire in its long-term partnership with BHF.

Since the partnership between the tools, equipment and plant hire services company and the charity was launched in 2021, Speedy Hire has donated £25,000 towards helping to raise awareness of hidden heart conditions, as well as helping to raise vital funds for lifesaving research.