The new units have been placed in areas where access to a twenty-four-hour publicly available defibrillator was previously more limited, helping to improve emergency response for local communities.
The life-saving equipment has been installed at Grange Park Way, Middleleaze Drive, Shaw Ridge New Play Area and Sparcells Drive.
Each defibrillator has been registered on the national database, allowing 999 call handlers to direct people to the nearest available unit during an emergency and provide an access code if required.
Defibrillators can be used to help restart the heart of someone suffering a cardiac arrest, while bleed control kits contain specialist equipment designed to help control catastrophic bleeding until paramedics arrive.
Chair of West Swindon Parish Council, Cllr Lawrence Elliott, said:
“We are delighted to have installed four new defibrillators and bleed control kits across West Swindon. We have carefully chosen locations where access to a 24-hour publicly available defibrillator has been more limited, helping to improve the availability of this potentially life-saving equipment within our Parish.
“You never know when a defibrillator or bleed kit might be needed, but having the right equipment available nearby can make a vital difference in an emergency. This is another practical way that the Parish Council is investing in the safety and wellbeing of residents.
“I would also encourage everyone to take a few minutes to learn the basics of CPR. You do not need to be a medical professional to help save a life, and knowing what to do in an emergency could make a real difference.”
The Parish Council is also encouraging residents to learn the basics of CPR by completing the British Heart Foundation’s free RevivR online training course, which takes around 15 minutes.
Anyone faced with a suspected cardiac arrest should always call 999 first. Ambulance call handlers can identify the nearest registered defibrillator, provide access details if necessary and guide callers through CPR until emergency crews arrive.
