Tesco Installs Defibrillators in Wrexham Supermarkets to Help Save Lives

Live saving defibrillators are to be installed in Wrexham’s two Tesco supermarkets as part of a nationwide initiative by the company. 

The company is set to introduce defibrillators in 907 of its largest stores, providing lifesaving support to customers and colleagues across the UK – including the Wrexham and Cefn Mawr stores.

Statistics from the British Heart Foundation show that over 30,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital in the UK every year, but less than one in ten survive.

For every minute without CPR and defibrillation, a person’s chance of survival decreases by around 10 percent. 729 Tesco Extra and Superstores all over the country will be fitted with defibrillators as part of the initiative, and the retailer also plans to install the equipment in all of its 178 Metro stores over the coming weeks.

In the Wrexham and Cefn Mawr store, this means that Tesco will provide this vital equipment in their community.

Speaking about the announcement, Tony Hoggett, Tesco UK Chief Operating Officer noted that the company are ‘always looking for ways to help the communities we serve’ and that the initiative has the ‘potential to make a real difference to customers and colleagues all over the country’.

Sara Askew, BHF Head of Survival, said: “If you have a cardiac arrest in the UK today you have just a one in ten chance of survival. More people could be saved if more people had the skills and confidence to perform CPR and more defibrillators were available and accessible in public places.

“We are delighted that Tesco is supporting BHF’s Nation of Lifesavers campaign by making public access defibrillators available in all its larger stores. Knowing vital CPR skills and having access to a defibrillator can often be the difference between life and death.”

Gerard Rothwell, Welsh Ambulance Service National Public Access Defibrillator Manager added: “We are delighted that Tesco is installing the defibrillators at its larger stores across Wales.

“This is a fantastic initiative and example to all businesses and shows a genuine concern and wish to ensure its customers and staff are given every chance of survival should they suffer a cardiac arrest in store.”

Tesco is working to improve the health of the nation through its partnership with Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation. The partnership supports new initiatives that will help people lead healthier, longer and more active lives.