With defibrillators already available in case of an onboard emergency on TransPennine’s Nova 1 trains. TransPennine Express is now fitting defibrillators to its Class 185 Diesel Multiple Units.

The installation of defibrillators to the 51 strong class 185 trains will be undertaken at pace with all the trains set to be fitted with defibrillators by the start of June this year.

They will be readily available to use by staff and passengers if someone on the train has a cardiac arrest. The case containing the defibrillator will be located in an emergency cupboard in the centre coach of each three-car train.

If a passenger sees someone they suspect is having a cardiac arrest, swift action is crucial to save the passenger’s life.

Each onboard defibrillator has spoken instructions built-in to it, offering a step-by-step guide which explains how to use it on someone in an emergency. Computers and sensors inside the defibrillators analyse a person’s heart rhythms to determine if an electric shock is necessary. Electrodes then automatically deliver the shock if needed. 

Purchased from the British Heart Foundation, Siemens Mobility will install the defibrillators on the class 185s.

“Our defibrillators are a huge benefit to both our customers and the communities we serve. 

This rollout will ensure that people travelling on our services will feel safe and confident that defibrillators are available to help in the event of an emergency, potentially saving lives.

The skilled team at our Ardwick Traincare Facility play an important part in Siemens Mobility’s mission to transform rail travel, so it’s great to see the collaborative work with TransPennine Express to install life-saving defibrillators on our Class 185 trains.” 

Sambit Banerjee, Joint CEO of Siemens Mobility UK & Ireland

Defibrillators are becoming an increasing sight in everyday life not just in restaurants and busy public spaces, but at transport hubs and railway stations across the UK.