New ‘defibs’ installed across borough

The life-saving kit – which shocks the heart into beating again – is in boxes that have been mounted on walls all over the area, including those of shops and pubs.

Erewash Borough Council teamed up with leading “defib” charity London Hearts to acquire ten of the devices. An 11th has been funded by Sawley Parish Council.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Harry Atkinson went to Trent Lock to see the first that was installed as part of the project. It is outside toilets there.

In a video message to residents Harry said: “These pieces of lifesaving equipment might only be a small change but they’re really important in making sure that you have a better chance of survival if you have a cardiac arrest.”

The locations of the other new defibs include two shops in Borrowash. These are the Londis and Premier stores. The Shopmobility building in Long Eaton has had one installed, as has the town’s Bridge House.

In Ilkeston there are new defibs at Toll Bar House, Advanced Roofing Ltd, HiQ and Little Plums Day Nursery. A pub in the town – The Davy Lamp – has got a box, as has The Newdigate in West Hallam.

The British Heart Foundation says on its website: “Anyone can use a defibrillator. You do not need training. Once you turn it on, it will give clear step-by-step voice instructions.”

See the easy-to-follow guide including a video: Understanding defibrillators-what they are and how to use them - BHF

Watch Cllr Atkinson's video on Facebook.

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