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As Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington, I know our police officers are often the first on the scene when tragedy strikes. Whether it’s a cardiac arrest, a collision, or a sudden medical emergency, their actions in those critical first minutes can mean the difference between life and death.
That’s why I am delighted to report that every single response and neighbourhood policing vehicle across Durham Constabulary is now equipped with a lifesaving defibrillator — thanks to the Red Sky Foundation and OurJay Foundation, whose tireless fundraising efforts, compassion and determination have made this significant milestone possible.
This £185,000 investment, was launched last week on Restart a Heart Day, was the result of ordinary people doing extraordinary things — running, climbing, donating, volunteering and fundraising to save precious lives. 140 defibrillators and replacement pads have now been installed across the force area, giving our officers the equipment to help people and save lives.
Behind this initiative are powerful personal stories that remind us of what is at stake. The Red Sky Foundation was inspired by Sergeant Terry Archbold’s daughter, Beatrix, who suffered heart failure at just 16 months old. Thanks to a heart transplant in 2023, she is now thriving. The OurJay Foundation, created in memory of teenager Jay Hughes, shares the same mission — that no family should ever lose a loved one because help was not close enough.
These two charities have joined forces to campaign for defibrillators to be mandatory in every police response car across the UK. Durham is only the second force in the country to achieve full coverage, and I want to see that change rolled out nationally.
The impact is already being felt. In Northumbria, where Red Sky Foundation first installed defibrillators earlier this year, at least four lives have already been saved. Precious lives that might otherwise have been lost.
As Bluelight Commercial Chair I have seen how this work is being driven forward nationally through BlueLight Commercial, with the previous Home Secretary’s support, we were able to provide a number of defibrillators for every force fleet across England and Wales after a meeting with Jays parents. It is a powerful example of how campaigning, and collaboration between charities, communities, and policing — can deliver real, measurable change.
But we cannot rely on goodwill alone. With fewer than one in ten people surviving a cardiac arrest nationally, and just one in sixteen in the North East, we must all play our part. These devices are simple to use, but they are only lifesaving if they are nearby.
So today, I’m asking residents and businesses to join us.
👉 Support the Red Sky Foundation and OurJay Foundation.
👉 Help fund defibrillators for your local community — especially in rural areas, where seconds can make all the difference.
👉 Learn CPR. Know where your nearest defibrillator is. Talk about it at work, school, and in your neighbourhood.
Because when the worst happens, you could be the person who saves a life.
Our officers are ready. Our partners are committed. Now it is time for all of us to accept that challenge — to turn compassion into action and ensure no life is lost for want of a defibrillator.
Together, we can build safer, stronger, and more resilient towns and villages — where every second truly counts. "Every second counts — early defibrillation more than doubles survival chances." 
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