Reduced-price defibrillators are being offered by The FA and the British Heart Foundation (BHF), who are aiming to create ‘Heart Safe Clubs’ across the country by reminding grassroots football clubs of an initiative to supply them throughout the game.

Phases 1 and 2 of this dedicated initiative were a tremendous success and the allocated defibrillators were quickly taken-up by clubs. These two phases were part-funded and The FA have now secured an excellent price through WEL Medical, their strategic supply partner. After purchase, individuals can also access additional resources and free online training materials.

WEL Medical specialize in life-saving devices and are supplying The FA with the iPAD SP1 defibrillator, a nominated device of the British Heart Foundation which is also deployed by the NHS Ambulance Service. Clubs can now purchase these life-saving defibrillators for the special price of £750+VAT (usual cost £1,325+VAT).

Research shows that over 90% of sudden cardiac arrests in young athletes happen either during or immediately after exercise. There are around 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in England every year and, for every minute lost without CPR and defibrillation, a person’s chance of survival decreases by around ten per cent.

A cardiac arrest is when the heart stops pumping blood around the body and to the brain, causing someone to fall unconscious and stop breathing. Defibrillators can be used to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm during cardiac arrest. By performing CPR and using a defibrillator until an ambulance arrives, someone can help double a person’s chance of survival.

Brendan Walshe, Chief Executive of the Essex County FA, commented: “Defibrillators are life-saving pieces of equipment and it’s crucial that they are made more accessible throughout grassroots football in Essex. It’s important that news is shared of this excellent FA initiative to provide defibrillators for clubs.”

All grassroots clubs in England can apply for a defibrillator via this link. WEL Medical will require the club’s name, affiliation number, County FA, and the name/position of the person ordering the AED. Questions or enquiries relating to the Heart Safe Clubs initiative should be directed to WEL Medical via (03333) 444789.

FA Sudden Cardiac Arrest Course

Unfortunately, a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can happen to anyone. This learning from the Boot Room (part of England Football) is designed to help anyone to recognise an SCA and respond appropriately.

From next year, the module will become a compulsory element of The FA’s ‘Introduction to First Aid in Football’ (iFAiF), but will remain accessible and relevant to all FAN users. Enrol, or find out more, by following this link.