SIX new life saving ‘heart start’ machines have been provided in Ludlow thanks to the Hospital League of Friends.

Following the provision of equipment for Community First Responders by The League of Friends of Ludlow Hospital, a joint venture between The League and Ludlow Defib 4 You has resulted in the renewal of existing Community Public Access Defibrillators and providing additional sites around the Town.

The League handed over six new defibrillators and cabinets to Abina Laishley, Ludlow Defib 4 You Management Committee, and one portable defibrillator to Kevin Bursnell of Ludlow Football Club, at a total cost of £10.733.

“There is no doubt that access to this equipment in the Town is vital in the event that someone suffers a sudden heart complication,” said Peter Corfield, chairman of the League of Friends.

“The League has already installed sophisticated heart monitoring and defibrillator equipment in Ludlow Hospital Minor Injuries unit and provided equipment for the Community First Responders and renewing and expanding the Community Public Access Defibrillators will be of enormous benefit for residents and visitors alike.”

He said that the latest equipment is simple to use and will not allow the operator to make a mistake or endanger the life of the patient.

“Similarly, with the Football Club, it is imperative that emergency equipment is available for home and away fixtures as proved recently at Alvechurch,” added Peter Corfield.

Abina Laishley, in accepting the equipment, explained that Ludlow Defib 4 said that the service could make a real difference between life and death for people suffering a heart attack.