Cambo Village Hall is the latest community location in Northumberland to host a life-saving public access defibrillator.

This is thanks to support from the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) and the regional programme to expand community defibrillator coverage.

The installation will strengthen emergency response capability in this small rural community, where residents are several miles from the nearest hospital and the closest defibrillator is currently located at Wallington around half a mile away.

A defibrillator on site will ensure that if someone suffers a cardiac arrest, vital treatment can begin within minutes – something that dramatically increases the chance of survival.

Paul Brolly and Beck Orton with the new defibrillator at Cambo Village Hall.

placeholder image — Paul Brolly and Beck Orton with the new defibrillator at Cambo Village Hall.

The initiative is part of NEAS’s ongoing partnership with the Voluntary Organisations’ Network North East (VONNE), which is expanding the region’s network of community public access defibrillators.

Paul Brolly, community resuscitation development officer at NEAS, said: “Early access to a defibrillator can almost double a person’s chance of survival following a cardiac arrest.

“Rural communities such as Cambo can face longer response times for emergency services, making access to life-saving equipment even more important.

“Installing a defibrillator at the village hall will provide a vital resource for residents, visitors and anyone who may need emergency assistance.

Paul Brolly teaching CPR to local residents.

“We are delighted to support communities that are taking proactive steps to improve public safety and help protect the lives of those who live, work and visit their area.”

The expansion programme also supports training and long‑term volunteer guardianship to ensure equipment remains ready for use.

Beck Orton, from the Cambo Village Hall committee, said: “Cambo is a small rural community and we are a long way from hospitals. If someone here suffered a cardiac arrest, it would take several minutes to reach the nearest defibrillator at Wallington.

“Having a defibrillator right here at the hall could save a life.

“This project is about giving our community the best possible chance in an emergency. We’re grateful for the support from NEAS and VONNE, and we’re committed to ensuring the defibrillator is maintained and accessible for everyone.

“The defibrillator and CPR training was really useful for everyone who attended.”

Cambo’s defibrillator will be registered on The Circuit, the UK’s national defibrillator network, ensuring emergency services can direct callers to it immediately.