Defibrillators

In February 2020, Reading BID, in collaboration with Reading Police’s Licensing team, took a significant step toward enhancing public safety by providing 10 defibrillators to key venues within the town’s nighttime economy. 

While many businesses and retailers in the town centre are equipped with defibrillator units, access to these life-saving devices becomes severely limited once these establishments close in the early evening. Recognizing this critical gap, Reading BID made it a priority to ensure that defibrillators were available in venues operating late into the night, where medical emergencies, including cardiac arrests, could occur. 

In addition, London Irish Rugby Club donated some external defibrillators which are located across the town centre – at the back of John Lewis, Forbury Gardens and Merchants Place.  

By supplying these essential devices to nighttime economy venues, the BID aimed to improve emergency response capabilities and potentially save lives. Each participating venue received not only a defibrillator but also a brief yet effective training session on its proper use and maintenance. This initiative ensures that staff are prepared to act quickly and confidently in a medical emergency, offering reassurance to both venue patrons and the wider community.