Shock Move: 70% of Cardiac Arrests Near Schools Could Go Unchecked After Hours
Nearly 70% of cardiac arrests happen within 500 meters of a school. Yet, when the school gates close, so does access to life-saving defibrillators. This glaring safety gap has pushed paramedic Alice Jones and the OurJay Foundation into action.
Defibrillator Goes Public at Walsall Academy
On 7th December, Alice teamed up with the OurJay Foundation to install a brand-new defibrillator on the outside wall of Walsall Academy. This makes the device accessible round the clock, all year, day and night—no matter if the school is shut.
OurJay Foundation was created in memory of Jamie Rees, an 18-year-old who died from a cardiac arrest on New Year’s Day 2022. Jamie’s friends knew a defibrillator was nearby in the school, but it was locked away when he needed it most.
From Tragedy to Action: How Jamie’s Family Sparked a Lifesaving Campaign
Motivated by their devastating loss, Jamie’s mum, stepdad, and brother launched the charity to promote awareness of CPR and accessible defibrillators. Since then, the foundation’s work has led to defibrillators saving five lives nationwide—including a 2-year-old whose life was rescued just a week after a new device was fitted.
Paramedic Turns Hero: Teaching CPR & Unlocking Defibrillators for All
Alice Jones, who grew up in nearby Willenhall, uses her free time to teach school kids CPR and defibrillator use. She also champions moving defibs outside school buildings for easy public access. Having attended Walsall Academy herself, Alice proudly added the new defibrillator to the two already inside.
“Jamie’s story has inspired me,” Alice said. “Everyone needs to know how to perform CPR and use a defibrillator—they quite literally save lives.
“Public defibrillators require no training; they guide you step-by-step. There’s nothing to fear. In an emergency, just having a go can make the difference between life and death.”
With more schools urged to make defibs public, lives could be saved when it matters most.
