Bilfinger has supported a series of defibrillator and first aid initiatives on a major construction project in the east of England following a medical emergency that highlighted the importance of rapid response, training and preparedness.
The initiative is being led by Gary Ablett, UK HSE Advisor at Bilfinger, after a contractor suffered a cardiac arrest on site last year. Bilfinger personnel were first on scene, administering first aid, CPR and using an onsite defibrillator before HFR Solutions CIC and county paramedics attended.
Motivated by the experience, Gary worked with HFR Solutions CIC to strengthen defibrillator awareness and first aid capability across the project. HFR has since delivered free defibrillator awareness training to Bilfinger and contractor personnel, alongside accredited first aid courses. More than 30 people have completed the awareness training to date, with further sessions planned.
Working with the project client, Gary also proposed expanding defibrillator provision across the site. Four additional units have now been installed at key locations, complementing an existing defibrillator in the welfare village and improving coverage across the project.
The initiative also inspired action beyond the workplace. After reviewing local public-access defibrillator provision near his home in Marton, Middlesbrough, Gary identified a need for improved community coverage. Following discussions with neighbours, a local councillor and HFR Solutions CIC, funding was secured for a publicly accessible defibrillator.
The device has now been installed on Hammond Close, adjacent to a popular pedestrian route into Fairydell parkland. It will be registered on the national emergency services database, helping ensure rapid access in an emergency and extending the initiative’s impact into the wider community.
“Despite the swift and professional response from all involved, the outcome was sadly not a positive one. It was later confirmed that the circumstances meant the outcome was unlikely to have changed, but the incident prompted reflection and a determination to ensure the highest possible levels of emergency preparedness going forward.
“The incident left us with a lot of ‘what ifs’ and questions about whether we could have done anything differently. While we were advised the outcome was never likely to change, it really reinforced how critical early intervention, training and access to equipment are. I wanted to make sure we took the learning forward in a positive way.” Gary Ablett
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