A new publicly accessible defibrillator and emergency bleed kit have been installed in West Wichel to improve access to lifesaving equipment for residents and visitors across the growing community.
The equipment can be found at the new Estates Office area, north of Orchards Rise in West Wichel. The location was carefully chosen to address a current gap in emergency provision in the area. While several defibrillators are already available at the Middle Wichel District Centre, including schools and Hall & Woodhouse, there has previously been no equivalent provision within West Wichel itself.
The installation has been jointly funded by the Wichelstowe JV and Wroughton & Wichelstowe Parish Council, with support from London Hearts, a charity dedicated to helping make defibrillators more affordable and accessible to communities and organisations nationwide.
The announcement comes ahead of British Heart Week (7 – 15 June 2026) which raises awareness of the importance of rapid access to defibrillators and emergency response equipment in saving lives during cardiac arrests and serious injuries.
Dan Pavely, Wichelstowe’s project director, said: “We wanted to make sure this lifesaving equipment is accessible to everyone, which is why no previous first aid training or qualifications are needed to use the defibrillator. The device provides clear step-by-step instructions, so people will have the confidence to act quickly in an emergency without fear of causing harm.
“Installing the defibrillator and bleed kit reflects our commitment to improving community safety and resilience as Wichelstowe continues to grow.”
Councillor John Hewer from Wroughton & Wichelstowe Parish Council, added: “This is great news for the Wichelstowe community. The Parish Council is committed to ensure that lifesaving defibrillators are available all across the parish and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to part fund this unit. It really could make all the difference in an emergency.”
