A CORNISH MP has taken the fight for better access to lifesaving defibrillators to Parliament, calling for action to ensure communities can access the equipment when they need it most.

Anna Gelderd, MP for South East Cornwall, hosted an event alongside the British Heart Foundation and the Adam Redfern Memorial Fund, bringing together dozens of MPs to raise awareness of cardiac arrest and the barriers that can prevent people from accessing defibrillators.

She said: “Places across our area can often be a significant distance from the nearest hospital or ambulance, and time is really of the essence when somebody is in cardiac arrest.”

The event took place just days after Restart a Heart Day 2026 on Friday, October 16, and aimed to ensure the challenges facing South East Cornwall were heard by parliamentarians from across the political divide.

Around 30,000 people in the UK experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year. For every minute without CPR and defibrillation, the chances of survival decrease by approximately seven to 10 per cent.

A defibrillator can deliver an electric shock to help restore a normal heart rhythm, but its effectiveness depends on the equipment being accessible and ready for use during an emergency.

Ms Gelderd said the parliamentary event represented “a significant step” towards improving access to defibrillators across communities.

She added: “I am really pleased to have been able to bring South East Cornwall’s message to Parliament, calling for better defibrillator access in our communities. Places across our area can often be a significant distance from the nearest hospital or ambulance – and time is really of the essence when somebody is in cardiac arrest.

“Following on from my local work on this issue, this event ensured that issues that matter to South East Cornwall were heard by MPs from across the political divide, and across the country, so that we can work together to build a strong case in order to create change.

Her campaign follows concerns in the constituency over the cost of keeping community defibrillators operational, with two cases near Looe highlighting the pressures faced by rural communities.

In Tredis, a community defibrillator faced disconnection after its annual electricity bill soared from £144 to £1,400, leaving Sheviock Parish Council fighting to keep the equipment available 24 hours a day.

After challenging the charges and seeking help through the Ombudsman process, the parish council turned to Ms Gelderd for support. Her intervention helped secure the cancellation of backdated charges, credit towards future costs and a more appropriate energy contract.

Meanwhile, residents in Trenewan also faced the prospect of losing their community defibrillator because of rising electricity bills, prompting Ms Gelderd to pledge her support.

The cases underline the importance of ensuring lifesaving equipment remains operational as well as accessible.

Ms Gelderd thanked everyone who attended and supported the parliamentary event, adding: “I’d like to thank everyone who turned up and those who supported this important event. We will continue to work together and do all we can to keep these lifesaving bits of equipment operational.”