Business donations will save lives in rural areas

First-aiders will be able to help more heart attack victims after fundraisers helped buy life-saving equipment.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has bought 20 defibrillators for the Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS), which will enable members of the community to re-start the hearts of patients as quickly as possible.

The portable machines deliver an electric shock to a cardiac arrest patient to restore a regular heartbeat.

The defibrillators, which cost about £1,000 each, were purchased using money raised through an appeal supported by local businesses and groups.

Among the fundraisers were three Bristol businesses who raised more than £6,000 towards the cause.

Metcalfes Solicitors, based in Queen Square, raised £3,719, Ashton Vale-based Babcock Integrated Technology raised £625, and HSBC in Cabot Circus raised £550, matched by the company to take the donation up to more than £1,100.

The defibrillators will be placed with community responders, who can react to emergencies near them, particularly in rural areas.

Other machines will be put into public places.

GWAS community responder manager for the Avon area, Kim Morrissey, said: "Thanks to the people who raised the funds, every one of these 20 defibrillators has the potential to save lives in those first crucial minutes of a cardiac arrest while an ambulance crew is en route.

"In the event of a 999 call reporting a cardiac arrest in the vicinity, knowing that defibrillator is available could be the difference between life and death."

Lucy Saunders, BHF regional fundraising volunteer manager, said: "The BHF depends upon the work of fundraisers and volunteers to fund its vital work fighting heart and circulatory disease - the UK's biggest killer."