TrustFord, the UK’s largest Ford dealer group, has invested £90,000 to install defibrillators across all of its 65 dealership locations this year.

The investment includes a WiFi connected Automated External Defibrillator (AED) solution, meaning the devices across the group will be monitored automatically to ensure they are ‘rescue ready’ at all times.

The AEDs, which are being provided by Aero Healthcare UK, will be installed at a central position to facilitate a swift response for anyone in need.

The installation process will include training materials so designated users at each site are able to use the defibrillators safely.

According to the British Heart Foundation, fewer than one in 10 people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, but fast access to an AED can increase the chance of survival by 75%. 

TrustFord has pledged that if one of the defibrillators is used to save a life, the survivor will be given a defibrillator to donate to a charity or organisation of their choice.

Stuart Mustoe, acting chairman and chief executive and finance director of TrustFord, said: “The installation of these defibrillators will be a valuable long-term investment in the health and wellbeing of our colleagues and customers, something which is a top priority for us at TrustFord.

“We hope that none of these defibrillators are ever needed, but we felt it was imperative to ensure that we had the means to offer the best form of support, should the worst happen.”