Enough defibrillators donated to equip every Northumbria Police car.

 

This donation, valued at nearly £200,000, makes Northumbria Police the first force in the country to have defibrillators in every response car.

 

This is a groundbreaking step that will better equip our officers, who are often the first on scene, to respond to cardiac emergencies and, without a doubt, save lives. This donation is a huge step forward in officer safety and public health. 

 

 

The partnership between Northumbria Police and the Red Sky Foundation began with a life saved. Shortly after a football match in Sunderland city centre, officers responded swiftly and effectively to a cardiac emergency involving a football fan. 

 

Their outstanding actions not only made a critical difference in that moment — they also left a lasting impression. 

 

The Red Sky Foundation, set up in 2020 by Sergio and Emma Petrucci MBE, to support families affected by heart disease, has since raised over 2.5 million pounds making a hugely positive impact to hospitals and communities across the UK.

 

 

Chief Superintendent, Mark Hall, of Northumbria Police said:

 

“First and foremost I’d like to thank the Red Sky Foundation for this truly life saving donation.

 

“Without your support and fundraising, this wouldn’t have been an achievable milestone for Northumbria Police to reach.

 

“Having a defibrillator in every single response car across the force is going to make a huge difference to how we respond to cardiac arrests and ultimately, the outcome.

 

“I’d also like to thank the officers who have worked closely with the Red Sky Foundation to help make this happen, your outstanding dedication will quite literally save lives.”

 

He added: “Being there when the public need us is our utmost priority at Northumbria Police. Be that offering protection, deterring someone from a life of crime, or saving a life.

 

“This donation is a huge step in the right direction in us achieving our aim of keeping people safe.”

 

The defibrillators are expected to be installed and in use in all response cars force wide by July.

 

Sergio Petrucci, founder of the Red Sky Foundation said: “We know that the Police find themselves in situations every day where time is of the essence.

 

“And that is certainly true when someone is having a cardiac arrest and every minute counts.

 

“Being able to supply all of the response cars with a defibrillator will hopefully help save numerous lives and will be an example that other forces will want to follow.”