Naomi Rees-Issitt, known as the 'defibrillator mum', is recognized with the British Empire Medal for her campaign to improve access to defibrillators after the tragic loss of her son.
Naomi Rees-Issitt, an advocate for defibrillator accessibility in the UK, is being honored with the British Empire Medal for her dedicated efforts following the sudden death of her 18-year-old son, Jamie. Her campaign, which aims to ensure that defibrillators are readily available in public areas and for service cars, has gained significant traction in raising awareness about the importance of these life-saving devices. Naomi's emotional connection to her work is underscored by the timing of her award notification, which she received on her son's birthday, leading her to believe that Jamie had a hand in the recognition.
The campaign arose from the heartbreaking experience of losing Jamie, who collapsed in the street, highlighting the critical nature of immediate medical response in cardiac emergencies. This tragic loss propelled her into a role as a public advocate, where she emphasizes that even small changes, such as the installation of more defibrillators, could save lives. Her work has sparked discussions about the importance of community resources in the face of sudden health crises, setting a precedent for increased awareness and improvements in public health measures.
As more people learn about the significance of defibrillators through her advocacy, Naomi hopes legislation will evolve to incorporate requirements for these devices in more public spaces. Her recognition not only honors her son’s memory but also serves as a call to action for society to prioritize cardiac health through accessible life-saving technology, ultimately aiming to prevent tragedies like hers from happening in the future.
