12-Year-Old Hero Brings Life-Saving Defibrillator to Bullen Village
Bullen Village near Ryde now boasts its very own life-saving defibrillator—thanks to the determined efforts of 12-year-old Katie Barnicoat. Island Roads stepped in to install the device at Hornbeam Square free of charge and chipped in towards the equipment after Katie and her mum, Emma, reached out for help.
Katie’s Big Idea Comes from ‘Restart a Heart’ Training
Katie got inspired during an Isle of Wight NHS Trust Ambulance Service’s ‘Restart a Heart’ session last October. Along with her brother and sister, she learned how defibs dramatically boost survival chances compared to CPR alone. Worried that the nearest public defibrillators were minutes away at 1 and Busy Bee Garden Centre, Katie made it her mission to bring one closer to home.
Fundraising Frenzy: Cinema Night and Community Letters
The Ryde Academy student didn’t hang about. She raised £1,150 by writing to locals and local businesses for donations. Katie also organised a spooky “Cinema Under the Stars” event, ‘Scare in the Square’, screening the family favourite ‘Casper’ and serving refreshments, which bagged £75.
Her efforts earned her a special commendation from the Isle of Wight NHS Trust Ambulance Training and Community Response Services.
“I’m thrilled to see the defibrillator installed after months of fundraising,” Katie said. “The Restart A Heart training showed me how vital quick access to a defibrillator is—it can mean the difference between life and death. I’m really grateful to everyone who donated and to local businesses for their amazing support.”
Training Kit and Big Thanks from Ambulance Service
Thanks to a grant from the British Heart Foundation, Katie also bought a training kit with a DVD and ten dummies. This will help locals learn how to use the new life-saving equipment effectively.
Louise Walker, head of ambulance training, praised Katie’s initiative:
“Katie’s outstanding work means Bullen Village now has vital equipment available 24/7. Survival chances for cardiac arrest victims jump from 5-7% without a defib to as high as 74% if used within three minutes. Every minute delay reduces survival odds by 10%. Defibrillators save lives, and we’re incredibly grateful to Katie for making one ready to use on the Island.”
Katie’s stellar work has also been recognised by the Resuscitation Council UK and she snagged the Principal’s Star of the Week at school.
Community Praise and Island Roads’ Support
Stephen Ashman, service director at Island Roads, said:
“We were truly inspired by Katie’s care for her community. That’s why we donated towards her cause and installed this life-saving kit for free. Katie is a shining example to others and has every reason to be proud of her achievements.”
