Isle of Wight Zoo DENIES Use of Lifesaving Defibrillator as Woman Dies on Beach
A tragic scene unfolded at Yaverland beach, Isle of Wight, on Sunday after a woman suffered a suspected heart attack. Shockingly, the nearby Isle of Wight Zoo refused to release a lifesaving defibrillator (AED) to bystanders desperate to save her.
Calls for Police Probe After Zoo’s Controversial Refusal
As the woman lay in critical condition, members of the public sprinted to the zoo just yards away to grab an AED before emergency crews arrived. But zoo manager Lawrence Bates reportedly refused, insisting the AED was for “Zoo use only.”
The delay sparked outrage, with many demanding Hampshire Police launch a full investigation. The woman later died despite the heroic efforts of:
- Two Coastguard Rescue Teams
- Two helicopters
- Two ambulances
- Senior ambulance officer
- Sandown & Shanklin Lifeboat crew
Zoo Claims No AED on Site, Points to Locked Public Device
“We received an urgent radio call asking if a first aider could attend an incident on Yaverland car park yesterday. Our first aider immediately went to speak with a member of the public requesting a defibrillator,” the zoo said in a statement.
“The Isle of Wight Zoo does not have a defibrillator of its own but there is a public access device on the front of the granite fort bordering the car park. Unfortunately, the staff did not have the code needed to access it and told them to call 999. At that point, an ambulance arrived.”
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the woman’s friends and family at this very difficult time.”
Public Outcry: Could Speedier Access Have Saved Her?
Witnesses and rescue teams have blasted the zoo’s stance amid heartache over the woman’s death. Many argue quicker access to an AED could have made all the difference.
With emergency services stretched and precious minutes ticking away, the refusal to unlock the lifesaving device remains under scrutiny as calls for accountability grow louder.
