In 2023, Clare Johnston set out to make Screwfix stores across the UK and the Republic of Ireland safer by installing potentially lifesaving defibrillators.
Following suggestions from stores, she reached out to every Screwfix store and found that less than 80% had a defibrillator accessible to them. The support was immense, with Screwfix managers resoundingly recognising the importance of installing a defibrillator in-store.
A whopping 925 defibrillators are now in stores. All those in the UK are registered on The Circuit, meaning they can be easily found by ambulance services. They have already been used 16 times in emergencies. Thanks to the attentiveness of Screwfix employees, their defibrillators are almost always 100% emergency ready and visible to the ambulance services, ready to save a life.
To Clare, having defibrillators in Screwfix stores means that employees, customers and local communities are being kept safer. ‘I’m aware of many times our defibs have been deployed and used over the last year. I’m so proud of our colleagues, who have played a part in the process.
‘We reach out to provide support following each deployment – this is both for the colleague and, if appropriate, the patient or community involved. The stories and feedback often make me quite emotional, hearing about the quick thinking and actions often of strangers to support someone in an emergency. I’m in awe of the difference people make and I’m privileged to be part of the project that has enabled it.’