The UK has seen a 16.44 per cent increase in accessible defibrillators since the start of 2024.

This follows the defibshop's 2024 Cardiac Coverage Report, which recorded a 228.78 per cent increase in defibrillators since 2021/22.

The North East has made 'steady gains', adding 469 new devices.

The area has seen a 17.35 per cent increase in defibrillators since the start of the year, now having 12.03 per 10,000 people.

Kerry Fairhurst, head of marketing and eCommerce at defibshop, said: "Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests continue to take the lives of most people who suffer one.

"The growth in registered defibrillators on The Circuit, the national defibrillator network, over the last two years has been significant, allowing an increased chance of survival to many more individuals.

"It is vital that this trend continues and guardians ensure their unit is ready in the event of an emergency and their status is communicated with The Circuit."