Housing contractors could become lifesavers after their vans were kitted out with mobile defibrillators, which they’ve been trained to use in a medical emergency.
Housing association believe housing bought the six mobile defibrillators from the northeast charity Red Sky Foundation, using money allocated for social value initiatives within their communities.
The funding was generated as part of a contractor partnership called be:ONE, between believe housing, RE:GEN North East, Buston and Maughan, and Sunter Ltd.
The regeneration specialist RE:GEN North East and heating and plumbing contractor Buston and Maughan have each kitted out three of their vans with the potentially lifesaving machines.
The initiative was inspired by Sunter Limited which already carries defibrillators in some of its vehicles.
believe housing, a not‑for‑profit landlord managing more than 18,000 homes across the northeast of England, recently hosted a Red Sky Foundation training session for operatives from RE:GEN North East and Buston and Maughan.
The training gave colleagues the skills and confidence to use a defibrillator and administer CPR safely and effectively if ever needed to help someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
David Taylor, Assistant Director of Major Works at believe housing, said: “We’re proud to work with contractors who share our commitment to creating social value that makes a real difference for our communities.
“Keeping people safe is central to building healthy homes and neighbourhoods, and equipping vans with defibrillators alongside training colleagues in their use and CPR is a practical, potentially lifesaving step.”
Michael Buston, Chief Executive at Buston and Maughan, said: “At Buston and Maughan, the safety and wellbeing of the communities we serve is always a top priority. Equipping our vans with defibrillators and ensuring our teams are trained to use them means our operatives are not only delivering essential services but are also prepared to respond in a life-threatening emergency.
“We’re proud to be a part of a partnership that is taking practical steps to make a real difference and potentially save lives.”
Simon Watson, Operations Director at RE:GEN North East, said: “Equipping our teams with defibrillators, and the confidence to use them, goes far beyond site safety. It’s about being ready to step in and support the communities we work in when it matters most.
“Through our partnership with believe housing and the wider be:ONE partnership, this is social value in action; turning skills and training into something practical, immediate and potentially life-saving.
It’s a simple step, but one that reflects our commitment to putting people first, on every job, every day.”
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