The Salvation Army Church in Cheltenham has installed a publicly accessible defibrillator outside its hall, providing a crucial resource for anyone facing a cardiac emergency.
The life-saving device, known as an automated external defibrillator (AED), is now available 24/7 for both congregants and the wider public. The initiative comes as part of the Salvation Army’s ongoing commitment to supporting the community.
Every year, more than 30,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals in the UK, with survival rates as low as one in ten. The British Heart Foundation reports that around 100,000 people are admitted to hospital annually due to heart attacks – approximately one every five minutes. In such emergencies, immediate defibrillation can significantly increase the chances of survival.
Tom and Rachel Dunham, leaders of the Cheltenham Salvation Army Church, expressed their hope that the installation will make a real difference.
“We are pleased to contribute in a small way to saving lives. The Salvation Army is a platform on which the vulnerable can lean, breathe again, and find hope. Heart attacks happen when we are least prepared, and without the right knowledge or tools, lives can be lost. Now, we can tell our community that at the Salvation Army, there is hope—and a chance at life,” Tom and Rachel said.
The defibrillator is owned and maintained by the Salvation Army Cheltenham and has been positioned on the exterior of the church building to ensure easy access in emergencies. Its installation reinforces the organisation’s mission of providing care and support to those in need.
The Salvation Army Cheltenham is a community-focused church and charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals through a range of social and welfare initiatives. More information about its services can be found at Cheltenham Salvation Army.
