A defibrillator is a lifesaving device which can be used in the case of cardiac arrest by a member of the public before an ambulance arrives. The use of a defibrillator can significantly increase a person’s chance of survival and they are a key part of the community.
We at Sintons have been approached by a number of managing trustees who have been asked whether defibrillators can be affixed to the outside of their church buildings. We are able to advise managing trustees on these issues and work alongside TMCP to ensure that all charity law and Methodist Church policy and requirements are complied with.
Before managing trustees agree to a defibrillator being affixed to their building, there are a number of points which should first be considered. This would include, but is not limited to, the following matters:
- Is there somewhere suitable on the exterior of the building where the defibrillator could be affixed and where it could be easily accessed in the case of an emergency?
- Does the defibrillator require a power supply and, if so, can the church offer a power supply which would be sufficient to serve the defibrillator? Would any works be required to provide such a power supply?
- Who will be responsible for the repair, maintenance and ongoing regular inspections of the defibrillator?
- Is the church building listed and/or located in a conservation area and, if so, have the necessary steps been taken to ensure that any additional permissions have been obtained? Are there any other planning requirements which need to be fulfilled?
- Who would be responsible for insuring the defibrillator and have the managing trustees consulted their insurer to ensure that the defibrillator can be specified on their policy, if necessary?
- Have the managing trustees considered whether emergency public access to their property is likely to cause any issues in relation to their activities or security?
- If the defibrillator to be physically attached to the building? If so, then it may be that a works project needs to be logged on the Methodist Property Consents Website with all three levels of consent being entered before the works can commence.
- Are there any health and safety considerations and do any steps need to be taken to ensure that the defibrillator can be used safely in the managing trustees risk assessment?
- What is the likely cost of the electricity used to power the defibrillator and who will be responsible for this cost?
The above list is not exhaustive and we at Sintons would of course be delighted to assist managing trustees, in conjunction with TMCP, in working through all of the preliminary considerations, as well as preparing the most appropriate agreement to document the arrangement. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Joanne Russell at joanne.russell@sintons.co.uk
