A NEW heart-start machine at Barnard Castle’s leading business centre has added to the network of defibrillators around the town.
The device has been installed to the outside of Enterprise House, on the Harmire Enterprise Park, and was made possible thanks to £1,425.75 from county councillors Ted Henderson and Richard Bell, via Teesdale Action Partnership.
The defibrillator was put in place by electrical contractors Tomlinson Longstaff and is registered with the North East Ambulance Service.
It has already proved its worth – within a week of installation a member of the public suffering breathing difficulties was directed to the defibrillator.
On this occasion, it was not needed, but the patient said they were grateful it was available.
Lynn Todhunter, customer services manager at Enterprise House, said: “We wanted to provide local people and visitors with access to lifesaving equipment and an improved chance of survival in sudden cardiac situations.
“We’d like to thank the county councillors for providing the funding to make this possible.”
Emma King, customer service and events co-ordinator added: “The defibrillator is really simple to use.
“Once you switch it on it gives clear verbal instruction, taking you through what you need to do, plus it will only give the casualty a shock if and when it is needed.”
Maintenance and running costs of the device will be covered by Enterprise House.
