Barry’s Story: A Life Saved Thanks to a Registered Defibrillator

In December 2023, when Barry was at his local pub, he didn’t expect to suffer a heart attack that would lead to a sudden cardiac arrest. A 999 call was made, but it was what happened next that saved his life.

Sam and Tony, staff at Oakwood Park Grammar School in Maidstone, were called into action after the ambulance service identified their school’s defibrillator as the closest available device.

The two staff members rushed to the scene, where Barry was receiving CPR, and used the defibrillator to deliver a shock. Just minutes later, paramedics arrived and took over.

The defibrillator had been registered on The Circuit, the national defibrillator network, which allowed emergency services to pinpoint its location quickly.

We were proud to learn that the defibrillator used in this rescue was one we had supplied. More importantly, the fact that it was registered on The Circuit meant that it could be found in time.

After the incident, Barry met the people who helped save his life. Reflecting on the experience, he said:

“Meeting someone who has saved your life is not something you are ever prepared for. You expect it at a hospital or with a doctor, but ordinary people in the street? You don’t expect it. I’m very lucky.”

He also shared a clear message:

“Make sure if you’ve got a defibrillator that it is registered. If it’s not, someone is going to miss it one day.”

Oakwood Park Grammar School Headteacher Mrs Craig added:

“We got a call from staff at the local pub to say a man had collapsed and the ambulance service had located our defibrillator as being the nearest.

“We are so incredibly proud to have staff who are also lifesavers. They had the foresight to register our defibrillator, so the ambulance service could locate it in an emergency, and then they remained calm in using the defibrillator when an emergency struck.

“Some schools might think registering the defibrillator is unnecessary paperwork, but it’s only a five-minute job that can save lives. I’d urge all headteachers to find out where your defibrillators are and get them registered.”

Registering a Defibrillator on The Circuit

This event is a reminder of how critical it is not only to have defibrillators available, but also to ensure they are registered on The Circuit. Without registration, the emergency services may not be able to locate these life-saving devices when they are needed most.

If your business, school, or organisation has a defibrillator, please take a moment to check that it’s registered. It only takes five minutes and it could save a life.

Thank you to the British Heart Foundation for sharing Barry’s story.

Learn more and register your defibrillator at The Circuit.