The Labour government is considering making defibrillators mandatory in all new cars as part of a Department for Transport review into vehicle safety equipment. Campaigners from the JumpStart group have urged ministers to introduce the life-saving devices, arguing that in-car defibrillators could overcome the problem of public access defibrillators (AEDs) being locked, poorly maintained, or hard to reach in emergencies.
JumpStart campaign pushes for mandatory defibrillators
JumpStart, a campaign backed by prominent figures including Lorraine Baldry OBE and Lord Bichard of Nailsworth, has reiterated its call for Labour to act. The group says that fitting AEDs as standard in vehicles would allow them to be checked during MOT tests, ensuring they are always ready for use. Jon McLeod, a spokesperson for JumpStart, said: “We welcome the Government’s commitment to reviewing how safety and emergency equipment in vehicles can save more lives, and we are pleased to be offering expert evidence and expertise as part of that process.”
Time-critical medical emergencies
McLeod highlighted the urgency of cardiac arrests: “Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remain one of the most time-critical medical emergencies, and survival depends on rapid CPR and defibrillation, ideally within three to five minutes. However, AEDs in public spaces are often locked in cabinets or not immediately close to the scene, which can cost precious minutes.” He added: “Vehicles offer one of the most practical ways of bringing life-saving equipment closer to where emergencies happen.”
Review scope and support
The Department for Transport review is examining whether the recommended safety equipment in vehicles should be strengthened. Currently, UK law does not require defibrillators in cars, but the review could change that. JumpStart’s campaign has attracted broad support from legal, medical, and military figures, including Jonathan Caplan KC, Lord Carrington of Fulham, Professor Barry Gilbertson, Professor Sir Malcolm Grant, and Sir Christopher Howes KCVO CB. Other supporters include The Rt Hon. The Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury, Professor Sir Denis Pereira Gray, and Vicky Pryce.
Impact on survival rates
If implemented, the measure could significantly improve survival rates from cardiac arrests. According to the British Heart Foundation, fewer than one in ten people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK. Quick access to a defibrillator can increase survival chances to over 70%. The JumpStart campaign believes that making defibrillators standard in cars could save thousands of lives each year.
