A STUDENT paramedic is fundraising for a piece of life-saving kit in memory of a fellow student who died in a crash.

Worcester University student Amy Shadbolt is appealing for donations for a new public defibrillator at the Henwick Road Co-Op following the death of fellow student Shane Davies in 2022. 

Since Mr Davies' death, Amy has been campaigning for more public defibrillators and more awareness of basic life-saving skills. 

The student paramedic has now set up a Go Fund Me page with hopes of raising £2,000 to buy and install the public defibrillator. 

Speaking about the crash in 2022, she said: "Unfortunately, in our case, there were no accessible defibrillators available to use when we needed one.

"Despite our best efforts in providing basic life support, we were unable to save our friend.

"This has highlighted to me the importance of having public defibrillators - as they give everyone the best chance of survival and eliminate the “What if?” questions for bystanders who witness cardiac arrest."

The devices cost around £900 with further costs for the external cabinet and installation. 

Once installed, defibrillators can be registered with the national database called The Circuit. 

Worcester News:

According to the UK Resuscitation Council, defibrillators should be no more than 200 metres apart and within a four-minute walk there and back. 

Miss Shadbolt said: "They should be everywhere, shops, universities, schools, gyms.

"You don't know where cardiac arrest can happen, they have to be public. 

"For example, when a gym closes, you can't gain access to the defibrillator and that can potentially put lives at risk. 

"You never know who it will happen to and there is no guarantee to save a life, but it will provide the best chance of survival in a cardiac arrest."

Since ensuring all university defibrillators are placed on external walls, she has also encouraged university machines to be registered on The Circuit.

The University of Worcester Student Union has agreed to partner with Amy in helping to install and upkeep the machine, alongside the Co-Op area manager who is also "happy to help" with its upkeep. 

The fundraiser has already reached over £800, with any excess funds to be donated to the British Heart Foundation. 

To donate visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/public-defib-on-henwick-road-coop