We’re delighted to have supported the installation of a new defibrillator (AED) at Plaw Hatch Farm.
Located on the edge of Ashdown Forest near Sharpthorne, Plaw Hatch is a busy working farm with a farm shop and café that welcomes visitors from the local area and beyond.
With the nearest defibrillators several miles away, the farm team and local residents recognised the need for an AED on site.
Keeping our rural communities safer
In rural communities, access to an AED can be particularly important. There may be fewer defibrillators available locally and longer emergency response times.
When someone experiences a cardiac arrest, every minute matters. Early CPR and defibrillation can significantly increase the chance of survival, making access to an AED in the crucial first few minutes extremely important.
For remote locations, such as farms, having a defibrillator nearby could make a vital difference in an emergency.
A community effort, supported by our grant — making a difference together
The new AED was made possible through the combined efforts of the Plaw Hatch Farm team and local residents, who came together to raise funds towards the cost of the lifesaving equipment.
We were delighted to support their fundraising with one of our AED grants
Through our AEDs in the Community grant project, we are committed to supporting the installation of publicly accessible AEDs across the whole of Sussex.
Grantees contribute £900 towards their AED package, which includes the defibrillator plus a cabinet, consumables, ready kit and wall sign. They also receive an AED familiarisation and basic life support session for ten people – helping local people gain the knowledge and confidence to respond to an emergency.
The £900 contribution covers part of the package cost, while helping us to continue funding defibrillators for other communities.
Each project is a collaboration between the SHC and a community group and we’re so pleased our grant could help the Plaw Hatch Farm community. By working together, we can make a meaningful difference.
Ready and available 24/7
The AED is now installed outside the farm shop, where it is available 24/7 to employees, visitors and the wider local community.
The defibrillator has also been registered on The Circuit, the national defibrillator network. This means its location is visible to emergency services, allowing 999 call handlers to direct people to the AED if it is needed during an emergency.
It’s fantastic to see the new defibrillator now in place, and we’re proud to have played a part through our AED grant.
Thank you, Plaw Hatch
A huge thank you to Clare, the team at Plaw Hatch Farm and everyone in the local community who helped make this happen. Their combined efforts mean that there is now a vital piece of lifesaving equipment available locally, helping to make Plaw Hatch Farm and the surrounding community a safer place.
One more defibrillator can make a real difference. Together, we can help more communities be ready when it matters most. ❤️
