A warm welcome to our Microsite, hosted by the Rossendale Community First Responders.
Community Defibs for Rossendale was established to raise awareness and support the purchase and installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the valley. Early defibrillation, combined with effective CPR, significantly increases the chances of survival following cardiac arrest.
Did you know that Community Defibs for Rossendale (CDfR) was a pioneer in introducing Community Public Access Defibrillators (CPADs) in the North West? CDfR installed its first CPAD in 2010 on Bank Street in Rawtenstall town centre — the first of its kind in the region
First Aid Training
You’ve seen it on TV — in shows like Casualty, Holby City, or the real-life Ambulance series — but would you know what to do in a real emergency?
Could you confidently perform CPR or use an AED to help a loved one? If your CPR training was over 5, 10, or even 15 years ago, it’s likely time for a refresher. Techniques and guidelines change over time — keeping your skills up to date could help save a life.
And if you’ve never had CPR training, don’t wait until it’s too late — learning now could make all the difference when every second counts.
Click the button below to find out about our First Aid Training offering.
All attendees are issued with a certificate of attendance post the course.
Installing CPADs
Having a lifesaving Community Public Access Defibrillator (CPAD) nearby can offer real peace of mind and serve as a vital asset to any neighbourhood. At CDfR, we’re committed to making defibrillators easily accessible across the Rossendale Valley — but we need your help to do it.
Do you know of a location in Rossendale that could benefit from a defib? Are you a property owner who could host one of our distinctive yellow CPAD cabinets on the outside of your building? Or perhaps you’re part of a local group or business that could help fundraise for a new defibrillator and its secure housing?
If you can help in any of these ways, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can continue our mission to expand the network of CPADs throughout the valley — and help save lives in our local communities.
Fundraising & Donations
At CDfR, we’re a team of dedicated volunteers working alongside our sister organisation, Rossendale Community First Responders, to ensure that Community Public Access Defibrillators (CPADs) are available, accessible, and fully operational across the Rossendale Valley. Every CPAD we install is a potential lifesaver — and maintaining this vital network is only possible thanks to the generosity of people like you.
As a charitable organisation, we rely entirely on donations and community support. The costs involved in installing and maintaining a defibrillator add up quickly: a secure CPAD housing unit can cost around £300, an AED itself around £1,200, with replacement batteries (needed every 3–5 years) costing between £200–£400, and replacement pads ranging from £80–£190 depending on the model.
Whether you can help us by fundraising, hosting a CPAD at your property, making a donation, or simply spreading the word, your support makes a real difference — and directly contributes to saving lives in our local community.
If you’re considering leaving a legacy gift in your will to help protect the lives of others for years to come, we would be honoured to speak with you about how your kindness could have a lasting impact.