Plymouth Brethren Christian Church Donates Defibrillator Following Tragic Cardiac Arrest Incident

The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC) congregation in Torbay recently donated a defibrillator following a tragic incident on the Dartmoor National Park in Devon. A young man, 22 years old, was found suffering a cardiac arrest at Haytor Rocks Beauty Spot after watching the sunset. Air and land ambulances were called to the scene, but the nearest defibrillator was out of reach. Despite the efforts of bystanders and emergency responders, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Saddened by the loss, members of the PBCC congregation, along with volunteers from the Rapid Relief Team, came together to fund the purchase of an automated external defibrillator (AED). An AED is a medical device that can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock to help restore a normal heartbeat. The device was donated to Illsington Parish Council and placed in an old BT red phone box near the main car park at Haytor.

The donation reflects the ongoing commitment of the Plymouth Brethren Torbay congregation to serve the local community. The Preston Down Trust, a registered charity associated with the congregation, has provided public benefit for over 45 years. Members of the church, many of whom live in surrounding towns and villages, have consistently sought opportunities to contribute to community well-being through acts of care and compassion.

The incident highlights the importance of accessible defibrillators in rural areas, where emergency services may take longer to arrive. Over 30,000 people suffer from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year in the UK, and only 1 in 10 survive. The donation of the AED is part of a broader effort to improve public safety and respond to emergencies in the region.

Senior elder of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, Mr Bruce Hales, has agreed to attend a public hearing of the Australian Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters. Despite not being involved in the 2025 Federal Election in any way, the committee has sought to question him about the actions of others. This development has drawn attention to the church’s engagement with public affairs, though no direct connection to the recent defibrillator donation has been made.

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