New lifesaving defibrillators now live in three of Richmond’s parks

On 14 July, the Mayor of Richmond upon Thames, Cllr Nancy Baldwin, and councillors unveiled an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at Old Deer Park, marking a key milestone in expanding lifesaving equipment across the borough.

Last month, we worked with The Richmond Heavies Foundation and The Paul Alan Project to install three new public-access AEDs across the borough. 

Cllr Piers Allen, Chair of the Adult Social Services and Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “Installing these new AEDs is an important step in strengthening emergency readiness across the borough. I’m grateful to our partners for working with us to make our parks more supportive for the community.” 

Cllr Elizabeth Gant, Vice-chair of Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sport committee, said: “We are committed to supporting residents to be more active. By placing AEDs in our parks, we’re helping create environments that encourage healthy activity while ensuring vital support is close at hand.”

Phil White, Managing Director, Richmond Rugby, said: “We're extremely proud to have supported this initiative, but the real credit belongs to the Richmond Heavies Foundation and the Paul Alan Project. Together, they have delivered a project that will have a genuine and lasting impact for people across the local area. 

The Richmond Heavies Foundation is a hugely important part of the wider Richmond Rugby family, and we're incredibly proud of everything it continues to achieve. I'd like to thank the Foundation, the Paul Alan Project and everyone involved for their commitment and hard work in bringing this important project to life."

“The Paul Alan Project is proud to partner with Richmond Heavies, Richmond Rugby Club and the Council to bring three public-access defibrillators to the community. This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long and successful partnership. By combining access to lifesaving equipment with CPR and defibrillator training, we want to give more people the confidence to act in an emergency and help save lives."

Now available at Heathfield Recreation Ground, Old Deer Park, and Carlisle Park, these new AEDs are direct responses to a critical public health need. Over 4,200 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in London each year, and effective use of an AED can significantly improve someone’s chances of survival.

The Richmond Heavies Foundation funded the three installations, supporting not only the devices and maintenance but also training for local sports clubs and community groups. The Paul Alan Project is supplying the AEDs, delivering training, and handling ongoing maintenance, showing a continued commitment to the community. Separately, Friends of Kneller Gardens also worked with The Paul Alan Project to install an AED at Kneller Gardens and provide first aid training.

You can find out more about AEDs in the borough.