In a landmark move for retail healthcare, Tesco has announced it will become the first UK supermarket to install defibrillators across all its large stores, potentially saving thousands of lives each year.
The retail giant is partnering with the British Heart Foundation in a pioneering initiative that will see the life-saving devices available in every Tesco Extra and Superstore nationwide.
The Life-Saving Partnership
This groundbreaking collaboration means that should a cardiac emergency occur in or near participating stores, both staff and members of the public can access the equipment immediately while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation, emphasised the critical importance of quick intervention: "Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces someone's chance of survival by up to 10%. Making these devices readily available in community hubs like supermarkets could dramatically improve survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests."
Training and Accessibility
Tesco isn't just installing the equipment - they're ensuring their staff are prepared to use it. Comprehensive training programmes are being rolled out to employees, empowering them to act confidently during cardiac emergencies.
The defibrillators will be stored in secure but accessible locations, with clear signage guiding people to their whereabouts. In an emergency, 999 operators can provide the access code, ensuring the devices are available when needed most.
Why This Matters
With over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring in the UK each year, and survival rates currently sitting at less than 10%, this initiative represents a significant step forward in public health infrastructure.
Owen Farrell, Tesco's Chief Customer Officer, stated: "Our stores sit at the heart of communities across the country. By making defibrillators available in all our large shops, we're not just selling groceries - we're providing a vital community service that could mean the difference between life and death."
This move positions Tesco at the forefront of corporate social responsibility in the retail sector, setting a new standard for how supermarkets can contribute to community health and wellbeing beyond their traditional role.
