A CAMPAIGN to have lifesaving defibrillators installed across Otley has taken another step forward.

A new portable Public Access AED (Automated External Defibrillator) has been fitted outside Otley Fire Station, on Bondgate, and went 'live' this week.

The move is part of Town Councillor Peter Jackson's (Lib Dem, Ashfield) drive to have a string of the devices, which provide vital assistance to someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest, positioned around town.

Otley Fire Station Commander Graham Heath said: "The Fire Brigade isn't just about preventing fires and rescuing people, but also community wellbeing and involvement in the town - we're proud to be part of Otley.

"So when Peter mentioned the possibility of having a defibrillator outside the station it was a question of 'why not?' and seeing what we'd need to do to make it happen.

"It seems like a great place to have one so we were happy to give it a place and connect it up to a power supply."

Otley Watch Commander Martin Bleasdale added: "We're an organisation that's all about helping people out and these are lifesaving devices, so it's good to be able to help provide one for the community by working with the campaign."

AEDs use electrical charges to re-start the heart, and can make a life-or-death difference in emergencies. Their locations are logged by the emergency services, who direct 999 callers to the nearest device where appropriate.

This week's installation follows on from another Otley AED becoming operational, outside Ashfield Primary School, earlier this year.

They cost about £1,275 each to have installed, but Coun Jackson - who is being supported by Guiseley-based First Responder Brian Firth, of Global First Aid Services - is convinced they are worth every penny.

He said: "This is about saying that Otley is a safe, as well as pleasant, place to visit - the town's growing in popularity and attracting large numbers to events like the annual Cycle Races and Victorian Fayre.

"These AEDs are vital pieces of equipment and we have to raise people's awareness of them, because a lot of residents aren't sure where they are or what exactly they do.

"The devices issue voice instructions so they can be used by anyone - the machine talks you through the whole process.

"Here at the fire station, which everyone is familiar with, is an ideal spot.

"We have two AEDs installed in the town now, with a third in line to be fitted at Cross Green Community Centre.

"We're getting a lot of financial support, including from Otley BID and the Chamber of Trade, which we're very grateful for.

"And Otley Lions' president has made us their charity of the year.

"I'm hoping by Christmas to have possibly another four or five up and running, and once they're all installed the Lions will produce a map showing where they all are."

Coun Jackson and Mr Firth hope to also run First Aid courses to tie in with the installation of new defibrillators across Wharfedale and Aireborough.

They would both like to hear from any business interested in having a device installed and covering the £10 to £20 annual running costs.

Coun Jackson can be contacted by calling 07799 465070, while Mr Firth is on 07909 660375.