Life-saving defibrillators paid for by advertising have arrived on the streets of three more UK cities, thanks to a partnership between JCDecaux UK and the Community Heartbeat Trust. Derby, Milton Keynes and Sheffield are the next cities to benefit from the Communication Hubs, which combine the latest in digital advertising with free public services, including an automated external defibrillator that can be used by the public to save lives, as well as USB charging points and free calls to landlines.
The installation is part of JCDecaux UK’s commitment to cities through continued investment into public services funded by high-quality digital screens, providing local and national advertisers with a powerful communications’ channel to build their brands while also giving back to the local community.
JCDecaux UK has worked closely with the Community Heartbeat Trust charity to bring these defibrillators to some of the UK’s busiest streets – providing a valuable public service that could save lives when time is of the essence. This innovative street furniture is located in the busiest locations where people are out shopping, commuting and socialising, benefiting residents and tourists as well as local and national brands. As this initiative shows, Outdoor advertising can play a key part in communities through the provision of public amenities funded by advertising including this innovative street furniture with defibrillators, free payphone and wayfinding information.Phil Drye, Chief Commercial Development Officer
We know that early defibrillation can triple a victim’s chance of survival, so we are delighted to work with JCDecaux UK to bring defibrillators to city centres across the UK. Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time and after calling 999 and doing CPR, using a defibrillator offers the best chance to save a life. These defibrillators are straightforward to use, with clear voice instruction prompts that guide the user through the process – so no special training is needed. We would urge everyone to be prepared, be ready and save a life.Martin Fagan, National Secretary, The Community Heartbeat Trust charity
The public will benefit from the roll-out of 2 digital Communication Hubs with defibrillators into Derby in close proximity to the Derbion shopping centre and seven in Milton Keynes at key entrance points to thecentre:mk. The first life-saving Hub has also now been installed in Sheffield with four more due by early spring – all located in the city centre.
Since JCDecaux UK launched this innovative Communication Hub network in 2019, these life-saving devices have been deployed 330 times. There are currently over 160 installed across 16 cities.
The phone kiosks carry an 86", high-definition digital 6-sheet advertising display, enabling national advertisers and local businesses to keep the public up-to-date with relevant and timely brand messaging. In addition to the defibrillator, the new phone kiosks include a range of public services including an accessible phone with free calls to landlines, Wi-Fi and USB charging stations, and a 32" interactive touch screen with wayfinding and council information – all funded by advertising.
The new installs bring JCDecaux UK’s total national digital street furniture reach to 22 cities with 1,400+ digital 6-sheet screens UK-wide.
