Defib Fund

Since 2017, we have been proud to have partnered with the ECB to support the distribution of portable defibrillators to cricket clubs across England and Wales through our Defib Fund.

So far, we have deployed over 800 of these, of which over 90 have been used to support those who suffer a cardiac arrest on the cricket field – around 11% of all defibrillators we have placed within clubs.

However, only a fraction of clubs in England Wales have taken up our offer to ensure they have access to a life-saving defibrillator.

Our new campaign – 22 Not Out – aims to change this.

We want to ensure that out of 22 players on the field, everyone makes it home safely.

Imagine the difference we could make if every club (and team) had access to a portable defibrillator and had the equipment, skills and knowledge to save a life.

Why is this Important?

⦁ There are around 60,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests each year and this does take place on a cricket field – please don’t think it couldn’t happen at your club.
⦁ There is only a vital five minute period before permanent or irreversible damage can occur following cardiac arrest. A portable defibrillator can be the saviour of an otherwise catastrophic situation.
⦁ Whilst you may have a defibrillator near your club already, survival decreases by 10% for every 100m you are away from this. The best way to ensure the safety of your (and the opposition’s) players is to have a defibrillator on-site.
⦁ The chance of a defibrillator being used on someone who is aged 8 and over, is 1 in 1,000 people per annum.
Awareness of the signs of cardiac arrest, what to do if something were to happen, and using a defibrillator could be the difference between someone surviving or dying.

What Action can you Take?

As a first step, please ensure that those at your club know what to do if someone collapses on the field. Acting quickly can be the difference between someone living and dying.

The Community Heartbeat Trust has developed this downloadable guide to print and put up within your club.

To join the 22 Not Out Campaign, and ensure your players, volunteers, and spectators are best protected, we have partnered with the ECB and Community Heartbeat Trust to offer a subsidised defibrillator for a one off payment of £100 and four annual payments of £151.20.

For this, you gain a portable defibrillator, club training, unit insurance, maintenance, and connection to the local emergency service and post-traumatic stress counselling.

We know during this time, that the financial situation for clubs might not be ideal. There are lots of ways in which you can fundraise – for example through initiatives such as My Club Wins, inter-club fundraising or by talking to your County Board, which may offer subsidised grants.

This is your chance for your club to be the difference between life and death.

To equip your club with a defibrillator and ensure that every player has a chance to walk off the field and return home, please get in touch with us at donna.black@theclubcricketcharity.org