Every second counts during a cardiac arrest. That’s why Sherborne Area Schools Trust (SAST), along with local businesses, charities, and the South Western Ambulance Service, came together with one goal: to make sure all 18 schools and every community served by SAST has access to a defibrillator.
Find out what motivated them, the steps they took, and what they learned along the way.
Why SAST took action
The Trust had seen first-hand the devastating impact of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests across its community. Among their 14 primary schools, 5 parents had tragically lost their lives, and a member of staff sadly passed away at home following a cardiac arrest 2 years ago. Two Year 6 pupils survived cardiac arrests in early childhood, as did a former pupil Nick, now 31, who experienced a cardiac arrest whilst playing football at the age of 21.
These deeply personal experiences, affecting parents, staff, and pupils, highlighted just how important it was for the community to take meaningful action.
Building consensus and overcoming barriers
The Trust embarked on a mission to ensure every school defibrillator had the best chance of helping to save a life. They registered their defibrillators on The Circuit (the national defibrillator network), moved them to 24/7 cabinets to ensure they are readily accessible to all when 999 is called in response to a cardiac arrest, and taught CPR to their pupils, parents and the wider community.
Matt Barge, Executive Head Teacher of 6 schools in the Trust, shared their experience:
"The project was initiated by one of our primary school parents, Hannah McClean, who is also a clinical nurse and a Community First Responder with the South Western Ambulance Service. When raised with our exec team, getting buy-in was straightforward. Morally, everyone agreed it was the right thing to do. But there was the practical challenge of ongoing costs and identifying a Guardian for each defibrillator, as it was a new task.
"Ultimately, this vital role was typically undertaken by an administrator or first aider, who took responsibility for registration, regular checks, and updates on The Circuit. Once the process was demystified, it became part of everyday school life. Funding support for the cabinet and its placement was secured through a combination of school events, charities and local businesses. This project is a true example of partnership in action. It shows how, by working together, we can help our communities flourish."
Community power: funding and support
This wasn’t just a school project - it was a community movement. Local charities, businesses, and even parents who were electricians pitched in to install and fund defibrillators and cabinets.
Events like “heart-themed” days, sponsored runs, and even a “hearty joke book” written by pupils, raised both money and awareness. The result: every SAST school now has a defibrillator registered on The Circuit. Many of them are accessible 24/7 or are in the process of being so thanks to unlocked external cabinets funded by local charity Jay’s Aim.
Practical solutions for cabinet installation
While the ambition was for every school to have a defibrillator accessible 24/7, it wasn’t always practical to install a cabinet on school premises. For 4 schools, site constraints meant the best solution was to place the cabinet in the nearest suitable location, such as on the wall of the village hall or another community building.
This flexible approach ensured that, even when direct installation at the school wasn’t possible, the defibrillator remained accessible to both the school and the wider community.
Involving the next generation
Primary school pupils also played a key part. Their enthusiasm and involvement helped drive awareness and embed the importance of defibrillators within the school community. Pupils learned how to perform CPR and use defibrillators, shared their knowledge with their families, and even completed “homework” to find their nearest defibrillator. This multiplied the project’s impact beyond the classroom.
Hannah McClean, Primary School Parent, Clinical Nurse and Community First Responder, commented:
“As both a parent and in a professional capacity, I’ve seen first-hand how vital it is for schools and communities to have access to defibrillators and the confidence to use them. This project has been a true community effort, with parents, staff, and local charities all working together to make a real difference.
"Thanks to local charity "The Swans Trust", we were able to buy training mannikins and defibrillators and train over 300 Year 6 children before they left for secondary school. Training our children in CPR and demystifying defibrillators doesn’t just save lives, it empowers them and their families to act in an emergency. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.”
Making a difference - and keeping it going
The project didn’t stop at registration. Regular checks and updates on The Circuit are now part of school routines, providing the ambulance service with confidence their defibrillators are ready to help save a life.
The community continues to work together, with local sports clubs and events providing more opportunities for CPR training and defibrillator awareness. The impact is clear: more lives protected, more people empowered, and a stronger, more resilient community.
Advice for others
Hannah Butler, Community Engagement and Training Officer, South Western Ambulance Service summed up:
“Seeing schools and communities come together to make defibrillators accessible is truly inspiring. Every cabinet installed and every pupil trained means more lives can be saved. It’s not just about equipment, it’s about empowering people with the confidence and skills to act in an emergency. The impact of this project will be felt for years to come.
"If your school hasn’t yet registered its defibrillator on The Circuit, now is the time. Registration ensures that ambulance services will be able to locate your defibrillator, if available, when 999 is called in response to a cardiac arrest. This could make a lifesaving difference and there is no cost to register. Over 80 per cent of schools in the South West have already taken this vital step, and together we can make sure every community is protected."