An innovative project in East Yorkshire is turning refuse collection lorries into mobile life-saving assets.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council has equipped all of their refuse collection vehicles with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). This move is believed to be the first scheme of its kind in the UK.
Around 80 bin lorries across the East Riding fleet will now carry defibrillators, with refuse collection crews trained to use the devices in a medical emergency.
The project was funded through a £60,000 government grant and developed in partnership with Yorkshire Ambulance Service so that vehicle location data can help emergency responders identify the nearest available defibrillator.
This innovative scheme could significantly improve community access to life-saving equipment, particularly in rural areas.
How Defibrillators Save Lives
A cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively. Without immediate treatment, the chances of survival decrease rapidly.
Across the UK:
- Around 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur every year
- Less than 1 in 10 people survive
- Survival chances fall by around 10% for every minute without defibrillation
However, when CPR and an Automated External Defibrillator are used quickly, survival rates can increase dramatically. Evidence shows that when a defibrillator is used within the first 3–5 minutes, survival rates can increase to between 50% and 70%.
This is why improving public access to defibrillators is such an important part of strengthening the emergency response chain.
Why Bin Lorries?
Refuse collection vehicles may seem like an unusual place for life-saving equipment, but they are uniquely positioned to help.
According to the council, bin lorries travel thousands of miles each week, reaching towns, villages and rural communities across the East Riding.
Because these vehicles are:
- Highly visible
- Regularly travelling through neighbourhoods
- Often present in rural locations where defibrillators may be scarce
They can act as mobile emergency response points, potentially providing life-saving equipment before paramedics arrive. Council leaders say this approach could help improve outcomes in communities where rapid access to defibrillation is critical.
Increasing Access to Public Defibrillators
Across the UK there has been growing focus on increasing public access defibrillators (PADs) in communities.
AEDs are designed so that anyone can use them in an emergency, even without medical training. The devices provide clear audio instructions and will only deliver a shock if it is needed.
Emergency call handlers can also direct people to nearby registered defibrillators while ambulance crews are on their way. Expanding access to these devices, whether in public buildings, workplaces, community spaces or vehicles, is an important step in improving survival rates.
Supporting Safer Communities Across the Humber
At HFR Solutions, we continuously support initiatives that increase access to life-saving equipment.
Working with local authorities, businesses and community partners across the Humber region, we help support projects that:
- Fund life-saving equipment
- Provide meaningful learning experiences
- Deliver vital safety training
- Strengthen the resilience of our local communities
Last year we supplied 7 defibrillators to public spaces, helping improve rapid emergency response across the region. By reinvesting into the communities we serve, we ensure every initiative delivers meaningful, long-term benefits where they are needed most.
A Shared Mission to Save Lives
The defibrillator scheme led by East Riding of Yorkshire Council shows how innovation, partnership and community safety leadership can make a real difference.
Whether it’s installing defibrillators in public spaces, placing them on emergency vehicles, or equipping everyday council services with life-saving equipment, each initiative increases the chance that someone nearby can step in and help.
At HFR Solutions, we remain committed to supporting partners and communities across the Humber region in our shared mission:
Making the Humber region a safer place to live and work.
Get in Touch
HFR Solutions helps communities across the Humber region to plan, prepare, and respond in the event of an emergency. Discover how you can benefit from our services:
Community Safety Initiatives – Projects, equipment, and funded training designed to strengthen local safety and resilience.
First Aid & Medical Training – Courses developed for all skillsets, ensuring people are prepared to respond when every second counts.
Email: customer@hfrsolutions.co.uk
Phone: 01482 398521
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