Recent research shows that while the number of defibrillators continues to rise, increasing training and responder confidence is crucial to ensure preparedness to use them. This comes as Resuscitation Council UK reports there are now over 115,000 Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests (OHCAs) reported to the ambulance services each year. That’s an increase of over 35%.
Released during Heart Month, defibshop’s latest Cardiac Coverage Report 2025/26 shows that although defibrillator coverage has increased nationwide, gaps remain when it comes to training and readiness. As the number of defibrillators increase, ensuring training and responder confidence rise along with these is crucial to maximising survival outcomes.
Key Highlights:
- Wales’ defibrillator coverage has increased by 9.45% from 7,839 to 8,580 units over the last year.
- As a nation, Wales has succeeded in retaining the highest defibrillator density per 10,000 people at 27.11, compared to England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
- Top performers remain the same as the last CCR, led by Gwynedd (53.5), Powys (48.1), Ceredigion (46.1), Pembrokeshire (41.1), and Isle of Anglesey 38.7).
- While one of the most heart-safe areas, the Isle of Anglesey is also one of the biggest improvers with a 22.3% uplift in defibrillators.
- Public Access Defibrillators (PADs) have increased by 7.15% from 6,544 to 7,012: an additional 468 units now available and accessible to the general public.
Kerry Fairhurst, Head of Marketing & eCommerce at defibshop, said: “A growth in the number of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests (OHCAs) is concerning, though it doesn’t mean we’ve taken a step back in our journey.
“It simply means that both operational maintenance and training to ensure responders feel confident enough to use a defibrillator without delay remain of equal importance.
“A point which we’ll continue to raise and increase awareness around with our Cardiac Coverage Report.”
