Appeal to Help Return Broad Quay's Life-Saving Defibrillator
- Defibs4Bristol
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
BBC Radio Bristol featured our good friend Carlos Santos from BristolResus4All this morning, followed by our founder Simon Brookes, to discuss a public-access defibrillator that has gone missing after being used during a medical emergency.
The defibrillator, located outside Turtle Bay on Broad Quay, was taken from its cabinet following a 999 call on 11 July to help someone suffering a suspected cardiac arrest. More than three weeks later, it has still not been returned.
The important thing to stress is that nobody is looking to blame anyone. We simply want this vital piece of life-saving equipment returned so it can continue protecting people in one of Bristol's busiest locations.
BBC Radio Bristol first spoke with Carlos before inviting Simon into the studio to discuss the wider importance of public-access defibrillators, why they should be returned promptly after use, and the vital role they play in helping save lives across Bristol.
A Defibrillator Installed from Tragedy
Following the tragic death of his colleague and friend Richard Dewdney, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting for work at Broad Quay, First Bus driver Carlos Santos was determined that nobody else should be left without access to a defibrillator in that area.
Carlos and fellow bus drivers began fundraising, with First Bus helping complete the project. Defibs4Bristol was pleased to support the installation by supplying the defibrillator, which went live outside Turtle Bay in April 2025.
Remarkably, the defibrillator was accessed within just 12 hours of going live - an early reminder of just how important that location is.
Already Helping to Save Lives
During his interview with Claire Cavanagh on BBC Radio Bristol, Carlos explained that the Broad Quay defibrillator has been requested by the ambulance service more than 45 times since it was installed and is believed to have been used on around 11 patients. While patient confidentiality means outcomes aren't shared, those figures alone demonstrate just how important this defibrillator has become.
Situated in one of Bristol's busiest areas, reliable access to a public-access defibrillator at Broad Quay is vital. Carlos also reminded listeners that sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any age, highlighting the importance of ensuring defibrillators remain available, regularly checked and registered on The Circuit so they can be accessed by the ambulance service when needed.
Why Returning a Defibrillator Matters
Simon joined Claire Cavanagh later in the programme to explain why returning a public-access defibrillator after it has been used is so important.
During the interview, Simon recalled collecting one of our defibrillators from a family after it had been used. He replaced the pads, checked the unit and returned it to service that same morning. Just 14 hours later, it was requested again following another 999 call.
It's a powerful reminder that a defibrillator can be needed again at any time. Returning it promptly allows volunteers to check the unit, replace any consumables and make it available for the next emergency as quickly as possible.
Simon also highlighted the importance of regularly checking public-access defibrillators and keeping them registered on The Circuit, ensuring ambulance call handlers can direct members of the public to them during a cardiac arrest.
Supporting Carlos
As soon as we became aware that the Broad Quay defibrillator remained missing, Simon loaned Carlos a replacement defibrillator so that this important location would not be left without emergency cover while efforts continue to locate the original.
Since establishing BristolResus4All, Carlos has worked tirelessly to install and maintain more public-access defibrillators across Bristol, helping ensure more communities have access to life-saving equipment when it's needed most. We're pleased to support his efforts and proud to work alongside him in expanding Bristol's network of public-access defibrillators.
While we all hope the original defibrillator is returned, Carlos has also launched a JustGiving appeal to help fund a replacement should it not make its way back. If you'd like to support the appeal, or follow the fantastic work he's doing through BristolResus4All, you can find links to both the JustGiving appeal and the BristolResus4All Facebook page.
Can You Help?
If you know where the Broad Quay defibrillator is, or if you have it following the emergency on 11 July, please don't worry about getting into trouble. We simply want it back so it can continue protecting the public.
It can be returned to Turtle Bay, Broad Quay, handed to the South Western Ambulance Service, reported via Avon & Somerset Police on 101, or you can contact BristolResus4All directly through their Facebook page.
Finally, we'd like to thank Claire Cavanagh and the team at BBC Radio Bristol for helping raise awareness of this appeal, and Carlos Santos for everything he continues to do for Bristol. Following the loss of his friend Richard, he turned tragedy into action, and thanks to his determination, this defibrillator has already helped protect countless people in the heart of our city.
With your help, we hope the original Broad Quay defibrillator will soon be returned to where it belongs – ready to help save the next life.
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