The REME Museum is delighted to welcome a new item in to the building. It is not a new item to add to our historic collection, however it will be on public display. It is also something we hope will never have to be used. So what is this new item?

A defibrillator.

In 2021, the news reported the story of footballer Christian Eriksen who collapsed and had gone into cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark during the Euros 2020. The reports highlighted how quick access to a defibrillator was instrumental in saving his life.

Denmark’s team doctor, Morten Boesen, confirmed that the 29-year old was saved through a combination of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and an electric shock from a defibrillator.

Cardiac arrests can happen to anyone at any time - not just fit footballers. Every week in the UK, 12 people aged under 35 die from sudden cardiac arrest. It is also reported that in the UK each year, 30,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of hospitals - all requiring emergency resuscitation, with just one in 10 people surviving. The rate is so low, in part, because people do not get CPR or defibrillation fast enough.

The REME Museum quickly decided that this excellent piece of live-saving equipment was something the Museum should invest in. The Museum is very grateful to the Stowe Family Law LLP Bath team, who offered a kind donation to assist the Museum in purchasing a semi-automatic defibrillator and case.

“Stowe Family Law are proud to assist in the purchase of a defibrillator for the REME Museum, the importance and awareness of which has increased dramatically in recent years. We hope it’s never needed, but access to a defibrillator is crucial in saving someone’s life, should they need it.” – Stowe Family Law LLP

Due to the publicity of Christian Eriksen’s case, demand for defibrillators soared and it has taken until now for the Museum’s to arrive. The Museum however has used the time to get the majority of the Museum staff trained on the equipment. We are extremely grateful to assistance provided by Babcock International training team at MOD Lyneham and in particular Joanne Riches, who tailored a course to ensure that the Museum team now have some experience and confidence in using the defibrillator.

If this excellent piece of equipment can help save one life it will be worth every penny, but with all that said we will be even happier if we never have to use it!