Scrap the defibrillator tax

Released On 8th Mar 2024

Emerald First Aid were recently alerted to a campaign of which is calling for VAT not to be charged on the purchase of new defibrillators, and as a company who have been at the forefront of defibrillator training in the Yeovil and Taunton area's we couldn't ignore this.

As the petition mentions, for businesses who are VAT registered, the NHS and certain charities would not be affected by VAT being charged on a device they purchase. This would benefit those community groups, sports groups, village associations and other organisations who would be subjected to paying 20% on top of this lifesaving device. (We hope) It is common knowledge that defibrillators are life-saving devices and the usage of one during Cardiac Arrest can increase a casualty's chances of survival by a massive 70%, and so everything possible should be done to ensure that these are accessible to anyone who requires it.

In January 2023, the Irish Government removed the defibrillator tax in Ireland to increase affordability and reduce pressure on health services - we're calling for the UK Government to do the same, and encourage anyone who agrees to sign the petition. 

The current petition taking place, which we would encourage as many people as possible to sign, as well as a campaign supported by over 100+ MP's to have this tax removed to enable more places to have defibrillators installed and made available for public use 24/7.

Here is a link to the Scrap the Heart Restart Tax campaign - https://www.change.org/p/scrap-the-defibrillator-tax

At Emerald First Aid, we provide a range of first aid training courses for all situations - regular Open Courses for individuals and small groups take place monthly at our Yeovil and Taunton bases. We also provide Onsite Training for larger groups. All courses are OfQual regulated qualifications, assuring your Due Diligence has been completed and that all information taught is within the latest guidelines. We also offer discounts to Yeovil Chamber members - www.emeraldfirstaidtraining.co.uk