Hertford & Ware Community First Responders

24/09/2026

Using a defib within the first 3-5 minutes of collapse can increase the chance of surviving a cardiac arrest by 50-70%.

Yet the most recent data from University of Warwick shows that public access defibrillators were only used in 9% of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in England in 2024.

It's vital we remove the fear around using defibs and help the public feel more confident using these lifesaving devices.

Sources:
bit.ly/4xzwx2R
bit.ly/42DwYwk

05/09/2026

22/07/2026

As we begin the summer holidays, we’re asking defib guardians to check any defibs located on school property and update them via The Circuit. 💚

School holidays and reduced opening hours can affect whether a defib can be accessed in an emergency. During the last heatwave, defibrillator deployments increased by 31% across the UK, in EEAST the increase was by 15%. It is essential to have access to a defib which could save a life.

Update your defib’s availability on www.thecircuit.uk, so 999 call handlers don’t direct someone to a defib they can’t access. Thank you for helping us keep you safe during the summer holidays.

22/07/2026

Restart a Heart 2026 is just around the corner!

Every October, we join forces with partners across the UK to raise awareness of cardiac arrest and CPR.

Whether you're planning to host an event or simply want to help spread the word online, our updated Restart a Heart training and communications packs are now available to download for free.

Get involved and help us make Restart a Heart 2026 our best yet!

❤️ www.resus.org.uk/get-involved/restart-heart-day/supporting-resources

22/07/2026

A regional community response car could be the first to arrive in a life threating emergency.

These cars are used by trained volunteer community first responders and are equipped with specialist equipment to provide essential life-saving care to the community.

👉Can you help support our regional response cars?

Your generosity will help fund:
🚗the running and support costs
🩺medical equipment and supplies
🔸volunteer training, support, and mentoring.

Donate today, the link is in the comments.

09/07/2026

Take extra care during the hot weather ☀️

As temperatures rise, simple steps can help keep you safe and well. Stay hydrated, wear light clothing, seek shade during the hottest part of the day and avoid strenuous activity in the midday sun. Don't forget to check on older relatives and neighbours who may need a helping hand.

09/07/2026

During hot weather, it’s more important than ever to know where your nearest defibrillator is. Extreme heat can put extra strain on the heart and in a cardiac emergency, using a defibrillator alongside CPR can more than double someone’s chance of survival. Taking a few minutes now to locate your nearest defibrillator could help save a life. Find your nearest defibrillator now: defibfinder.uk If 999 directs you to get one, you’ll already know where to find it.

Responsible for a defibrillator?
Make sure it’s registered on The Circuit, confirm it’s working, and record your check on The Circuit so ambulance services know it’s emergency ready and can locate it quickly if needed.

*Source: The Circuit – National Defibrillator Network, provided by British Heart Foundation - 19/06/2026 and 28/06/2026.

23/06/2026

🌡️ Beat the Heat! 🌞
Hot weather can take a toll, especially for those with long-term health conditions, the very young and elderly so it’s important to stay cool and look after yourself.

Here are some simple ways to keep safe and comfortable during the heat:

✅ Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, especially when UV levels are high
✅ Take a cool bath or shower to help lower your body temperature
✅ Drink plenty of water – try to avoid alcohol and caffeine
✅ Keep your home cool by closing curtains during the day and opening windows when it’s cooler
✅ Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat
✅ Apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) before heading outdoors

Look out for others too and check in on friends, family, and neighbours who may need a little extra support.

Stay safe, stay cool! ❄️

23/06/2026

01/06/2026

🥳 It’s the start of Volunteers’ Week and it’s time to celebrate all things
volunteering!

🙋‍♀️ Our volunteers include trustees, guardians of our lifesaving equipment, trainers, fundraisers and supporters.

👏 Our volunteers give so much to our charity, without them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. Thank you to each and every one of you for all you do to keep Hertfordshire safe.

🙏 To all our fellow charity partners and friends, thank you for all you do in our communities.

🚑 We are Hertfordshire’s volunteer run and paramedic led lifesaving charity.

❤️ Why? Every Heart Matters