A leading MP is backing the Mirror’s campaign for life-saving defibrillators to be installed in all public places.
Mary Kelly Foy has won the support of 51 cross-party MPs and peers for the devices to be made available at grassroots sports venues.
Now she has joined our campaign for legislation to ensure defibrillators are legally required at other key locations, including schools and public buildings.
The Labour MP for the City of Durham said: “It is really crucial to have pitch-side access for all sports.
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“I am absolutely 100% behind the Mirror campaign. It needs a joint effort, with the likes of the FA and Government taking on a share of the funding.”
Ms Foy has been in touch with ex-Bolton footballer Fabrice Muamba, who survived a cardiac arrest on the pitch in 2012 after being defibrillated. He also backs our campaign.
A letter from Ms Foy to FA chief Mark Bullingham, signed by the 51 MPs and peers, also refers to the recent collapse of Denmark’s Christian Eriksen at Euro 2020.
It states: “Christian Eriksen’s life was undoubtedly saved by the quick actions of the players, officials and medical staff… these quick actions, especially by Danish captain Simon Kjaer and referee Anthony Taylor, have shown the need for the expansion of the FA’s Emergency Aid course.”
Ms Foy wants players, coaches and refs from all clubs and county FAs to be trained in life-saving skills.
The survival rate for cardiac arrests outside hospital is below one in 10.
