About Defibs4Bristol
Defibs4Bristol was founded in 2018 by Simon Brookes, a lifelong Bristol resident, to improve access to public defibrillators and CPR training across the city.
Since then, we’ve worked with local communities, businesses and organisations to help make life-saving defibrillators more accessible across Bristol.
We are entirely not-for-profit, with every penny raised going directly towards installations, maintenance and supporting the network.
We're committed to full transparency. Every installation is publicly documented on our Installations page, and we're happy to share details of how funds are used with any donor or supporter who asks.
Our Mission
To identify the gaps in Bristol's defibrillator coverage, install publicly accessible units where they're needed most, and deliver free CPR and defibrillator training — working alongside other organisations to build a safer, better-prepared city.
Our Vision
A Bristol where everyone is within 3–5 minutes of a publicly accessible defibrillator - and where as many people as possible have the skills and confidence to act in a cardiac arrest.
Our work covers four core areas
DEFIBRILLATOR INSTALLATIONS
We identify gaps in coverage across Bristol and work with communities, businesses and organisations to fund and install publicly accessible defibrillators.
CPR & DEFIBRILLATOR TRAINING
We provide free CPR and defibrillator awareness training to schools, workplaces, community groups and local organisations across Bristol.
MONITORING & SUPPORT
We continue to monitor and support installed defibrillators, helping ensure units remain online, accessible and rescue-ready when needed most.
COMMUNITY AWARENESS
We work with schools and community groups to raise awareness around CPR, defibrillator access and knife crime prevention initiatives.
Why Bristol Needs This
Bristol is a city of over 470,000 people, yet many neighbourhoods still lack a nearby public access defibrillator.
There is no public funding for community defibrillators - every unit relies entirely on the generosity of local people, businesses, and organisations.
Ambulance response times can vary, and in a cardiac arrest, every second counts. Our aim is to close those gaps - street by street, community by community.
Meet Simon Brookes
Simon founded Defibs4Bristol in 2018 with the aim of improving access to public defibrillators and CPR awareness across Bristol.
A lifelong Bristol resident, Simon is passionate about helping the local community and believes that being part of a community is important - whether that means volunteering, supporting local causes or simply learning skills that could help save a life.
He strongly believes that more people should feel confident stepping forward during emergency situations and that access to publicly accessible defibrillators and CPR awareness can make a real difference across local communities.
Over the years, Simon has also been heavily involved in public service and community-focused roles across Bristol - experiences which would later help shape the direction and mission of Defibs4Bristol.
Service & Community Background
Alongside his regular day job, Simon also worked additional evening jobs and spent many years involved in public service and community-focused work across Bristol.
Simon served as a Royal Marines Reservist between 1971 and 2012. As a Physical Training Instructor, he was responsible for preparing recruits to pass the Commando tests and earn the coveted green beret.
Following his military service, Simon continued supporting the community through his role as a Community First Responder, regularly attending emergency incidents and helping provide immediate care before ambulance crews arrived.
Over nine years, he attended numerous 999 calls across the region, including cardiac arrest incidents, reinforcing the importance of immediate CPR and fast access to publicly accessible defibrillators.
Our Story So Far
2018
Defibs4Bristol founded by Simon Brookes.
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June 2018
Simon works with GWAAC to train CPR to the Bristol Bears.
December 2019
Our first installation. White Lion Car Park, Westbury-on-Trym.
July 2021
Our 10th installation. Bristol BS3 Communities Southville Centre, Beauley Road.
December 2022
Our 25th installation. The Treble Chance Pub, Greystoke Ave.
December 2022
Following Simon's campaigning, a group including Simon speaks at Bristol City Council. The council unanimously votes to make Bristol a "CPR-Friendly City."
February 2022
Simon delivers CPR and defibrillator training to the coaching team at Empire Fighting Chance, alongside renowned boxing promoter Chris Sanigar and Royal Marines Reservist Matt Fenwick.
January 2023
Having trained local taxi drivers in CPR, Simon lobbies the council to include CPR training as part of taxi drivers' licence conditions.
July 2023
Simon discusses his 26th installation on BBC Radio Bristol with Paris Troy. Just five days later he's invited back - the same newly installed defibrillator has already been activated and used.
February 2025
Our 50th installation. The Sportsman, Nevil Road, Bishopston.
May 2026
Our 60th Installation. The
Jersey Lily, Whiteladies Road.
