Shepton council urged to fund more defibrillators after coverage gaps identified

By Laura Linham 16th Oct 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 19 minutes ago

More public defibrillators could be installed in Shepton Mallet under a proposal to improve access to equipment that can save someone's life before an ambulance arrives.

Cllr Edric Hobbs's report calls for a review of gaps in coverage and a dedicated council budget for maintenance, replacement parts and additional units. It says there is currently no specific budget covering those costs.

Defibrillators are portable devices used when someone suffers a cardiac arrest, meaning their heart has stopped pumping blood effectively. They analyse the heart's rhythm and, where needed, deliver an electric shock to help restore a normal heartbeat.

Speed matters. The British Heart Foundation says every minute without CPR and defibrillation can reduce someone's chances of survival by up to 10 per cent. Having equipment close enough to collect quickly can therefore make a crucial difference.

The council's latest published asset register lists its existing units at Collett Park and the Town Street premises identified in the register as McColl's. These are council-owned devices, rather than a complete list of all defibrillators in Shepton.

Tesco also lists a defibrillator among the facilities at its Townsend Shopping Park store, with its accessibility guide placing it inside the shop. Access arrangements matter when assessing coverage, because equipment inside a building may not be available around the clock.

The town council agreed in July to install a third unit at West Shepton Playing Field. The October report proposes using national mapping resources to identify other locations where provision is limited.

Funding would cover replacement pads and batteries, cabinet repairs and regular inspections, as well as potential new installations. The report says rangers must check the council's devices weekly, with an officer recording those checks.

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The proposal was prepared for the Recreation, Amenities and Environment Committee meeting on Tuesday, 13 October. The amount of any dedicated budget would follow a review of costs and coverage; approval has not yet been confirmed.

Public defibrillators are designed for anyone to use, with spoken instructions explaining each step. No training is required, and the device will only advise or deliver a shock when one is needed.

Resuscitation Council UK advises calling 999 immediately if someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally. The ambulance call handler can guide callers through CPR and tell them where the nearest available defibrillator is. Residents can also familiarise themselves with local locations in advance through DefibFinder.