A GENEROUS donation from manufacturing company Parker Hannifin has enabled Devon Air Ambulance to significantly enhance its community CPR and defibrillator training programme.

The funding has allowed the charity to purchase vital new equipment, strengthening its ability to train members of the public in lifesaving skills and respond to cardiac arrest emergencies across the county.

The new kit includes seven additional CPR training manikins, three training defibrillators (AEDs), two large roller transport bags, and a dedicated transport suitcase for the manikins.

Among the most significant upgrades are advanced CPR manikins fitted with technology that connects to an app, providing real-time feedback on performance.

Trainees can immediately see whether they are delivering chest compressions at the correct depth and speed, helping them to build confidence and develop effective CPR technique.

Devon Air Ambulance says this interactive feedback makes training more engaging and improves learning outcomes, ensuring participants gain a clearer understanding of what high-quality CPR looks and feels like.

By increasing the number of manikins available, the charity can train larger groups at once, giving more people hands-on experience rather than waiting for a turn.

It says this increased practice is key to helping individuals feel confident enough to act in a real-life emergency.

The addition of three new training defibrillators will also allow more participants to become familiar with AED use during each session.

Many people are initially hesitant about using a defibrillator due to fear of making a mistake, but trainers demonstrate how simple the devices are in practice—open the box, switch it on, and follow the voice prompts.

New transport cases and roller bags are also improving efficiency, making it easier for volunteers to move equipment between community venues across Devon and enabling training to take place in more locations.

Most importantly, the donation has enabled Devon Air Ambulance to create an additional training kit, while also strengthening its existing two kits.

This expansion increases capacity to deliver more sessions, reach more communities and help more people become ‘Ready to Respond’ in the event of a cardiac arrest.