Cambo Village Hall is the latest community location in Northumberland to host a lifesaving public access defibrillator, thanks to support from the North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (NEAS) and the regional programme to expand community defibrillator coverage.
The installation will significantly improve emergency response capability in this small rural community, where residents are several miles from the nearest hospital and the closest defibrillator is currently located at Wallington, around half a mile away.
A defibrillator on site will ensure that if someone suffers a cardiac arrest, vital treatment can begin within minutes – something that dramatically increases the chance of survival.
The initiative it part of NEAS’s ongoing partnership with the Voluntary Organisations’ Network North East (VONNE), which is expanding the region’s network of community public access defibrillators (cPADs). The programme aims to ensure more residents can reach a defibrillator quickly in an emergency, with each new device registered on *The Circuit*, the UK’s national defibrillator network.
Paul Brolly, Community Resuscitation Development Officer at NEAS, said: “Early access to a defibrillator can almost double a person’s chance of survival following a cardiac arrest. Rural communities such as Cambo can face longer response times for emergency services, making access to life-saving equipment even more important.
“Installing a defibrillator at the village hall will provide a vital resource for residents, visitors and anyone who may need emergency assistance. We are delighted to support communities that are taking proactive steps to improve public safety and help protect the lives of those who live, work and visit their area.”
Beck Orton from the Cambo Village Hall committee said: “Cambo is a small rural community, and we are a long way from hospitals. If someone here suffered a cardiac arrest, it would take several minutes to reach the nearest defibrillator at Wallington. Having a defibrillator right here at the hall could save a life.
“This project is about giving our community the best possible chance in an emergency. We’re grateful for the support from NEAS and VONNE, and we’re committed to ensuring the defibrillator is maintained and accessible for everyone.
“The defibrillator and CPR training was really useful for everyone who attended.”
The project is led by Ian Davies, volunteer development support manager at NEAS. He said: “It’s an absolute pleasure working in partnership with these organisations. We’re proud to have a dedicated team to support this kind of delivery and resource in the communities we serve across the region.”
Across the North East, more than 4,000 cPADs are now registered, and last year alone over 6,500 were retrieved for life‑threatening emergencies. The expansion programme also supports training and long‑term volunteer guardianship to ensure equipment remains ready for use.
Cambo’s defib will be registered on The Circuit, the UK’s national defibrillator network, ensuring emergency services can direct callers to it immediately.
If you are interested in a placing a cPAD site in your area, funding may be available. For more information, please visit https://