LIFE-SAVING equipment is now only a footstep away for neighbours at a new estate in Rugby.
A mobile defibrillator has been installed at Eden Park, donated by housebuilders Cala Homes and Bloor Homes.
With the closest defibrillator just under a mile away at Elliot’s Field Shopping Park, a resident raised the issue with the Eden Park Community Association.
The housebuilders, which are currently building the second phase of homes at the estate, donated the defibrillator and its heated storage unit.
A resident has volunteered to have the defibrillator installed on the side of their house, and the Community Association will select a group to attend a training course to learn how to use the device.
Lian Everett, who was involved in the application for the defibrillator, said: “This is wonderful news for the community in Eden Park, which could potentially save lives.
“It was very much a committee effort, with members having worked hard to get a defibrillator installed.”
Cala Homes managing director Mark Wright said: “We are delighted to be able to contribute to the community in this way. While I hope the defibrillator is never needed, it will be an invaluable piece of equipment to have in place for emergencies.”
Bloor Homes Midlands managing director Paul Degg said: “We have engaged very closely with the Eden Park Community Association since it was formed earlier this year. The group identified the need for a defibrillator as a major priority, and we are delighted to have been able to assist them in securing this life-saving equipment.”
It is estimated that around 60,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospital in the UK each year, with 80 per cent taking place in the home. The only definitive treatment is early CPR and defibrillation, which must be administered within three to five minutes to give the person the best chance of survival.
