Pendragon has announced a deal with St John Ambulance which will see it install defibrillators at all of its UK car dealerships in anticipation of EV-related incidents.

With the continuous and rapid changes in vehicle technology - particularly in automotive workshops - and the anticipated increase in supply and servicing of electrified vehicles, Pendragon’s Health and Safety team felt it essential to provide all business locations with a defibrillator.

More than 200 ZOLL AED Plus devices will be installed over the next month and this extends to all Pendragon brands, including Stratstone, Evans Halshaw, Car Store and Daf.

Pendragon-owned Stratstone BMW and Evans Halshaw Nissan were amongst the first to be fitted with a defibrillator.

Pendragon’s group insurance risk leader, Sharon Collins, said: “We chose St John Ambulance as our supplier because in addition to supporting the NHS with their own ambulance response services, they also provide first aid training for team members across all Pendragon businesses in the UK.

“Existing and newly qualified first aiders are trained in the use of an AED as part of their first aid training but to ensure we can respond regardless of whether a first aider is available or not.

"The units we are installing are fully automated, meaning if the need arises any good Samaritan can use it with confidence and without fear.”

“Our aim is to provide peace of mind for all team members, customers and members of public in the event of an emergency and having an AED available at all of our sites will contribute greatly to this.

"The availability of a defibrillator can mean the difference between life and death and we are proud to be working alongside St John Ambulance on this project.”

St John Ambulance’s regional director, North Simon, Dunn said: “For each minute that passes, the survival rates of a casualty who has suffered a cardiac arrest drops by 10%.

"This is why quick access to a defibrillator is vital.  Not only will the AEDs benefit Pendragon’s staff and customers, but the local community too, ensuring they have lifesaving equipment nearby when they need it the most.

“We are delighted to be able to support Pendragon with the purchase of these easy-to-use defibrillators.”

Pictured: (L) Simon Dunn, regional director - north at St John Ambulance with Marcus Hallam, head of Business at BMW Doncaster