Defibrillators now available for public use at over half over Norfolk's fire stations
The machines are simple to use and offer step by step guidance to enable people to try and restart a heart
Lifesaving defibrillators are now available for the public to use at more than half of Norfolk’s fire stations, thanks to a successful project launched by a local firefighter.
Defibrillators give a high energy shock to the heart of people in cardiac arrest.
They are available in many public buildings in case of emergency, and are now also available at 22 fire stations in the county.
Previously, they were located at just ten.
The machines are simple to use and offer step by step guidance to enable people to try and restart a heart.
They've been provided by East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, local parish councils and Cromer crematorium.
The cabinets were provided by Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service and fitted by Norse.
"Saving more lives right across the county"
Firefighter Chris Baker spearheaded the fittings - working with leaders in the fire service, staff at Norse, East of England Ambulance Service Trust and charitable partners including Heart2Heart Norfolk and the British Heart Foundation.
Cabinet member for communities and partnerships, Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, said: “Defibrillators are available across Norfolk and increasing the number of them means there is more chance of people being able to access them and potentially saving more lives right across the county.
"Having them based on fire stations and other community buildings is fantastic for residents and visitors to our towns and villages.”
"The difference between life and death"
Lorna Hayes, Head of Community Response at EEAST, said: “In the event of a cardiac arrest, having access to a defibrillator can literally mean the difference between life and death.
"We are proud to have worked closely with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service on expanding the number of defibrillators at their fire stations.
“With many fire stations located in rural villages, which may not have a community defibrillator already, these new defibrillators will undoubtedly make a difference to patients’ lives.”
Norfolk fire stations with defibrillators for public use are:
Wroxham, Downham Market, Terrington, Kings Lynn North, Massingham, Wells, Cromer, Mundesley, Carrow, Acle, Swaffham, Watton, Aylsham, Fakenham, Holt, Great Yarmouth, Martham, Wymondham, Earlham, Hunstanton, East Harling and Methwold.