A NEW external public access defibrillator is to be located at the public toilets behind The Grove in Ilkley.

The life-saving first aid cover is one of three public access defibrillators being placed at outdoor locations across the district by Bradford Council, with a further 15 installed across council and public sites.

Defibrillation is a life-saving treatment for people suffering cardiac arrest spasms called dysrhythmia. The machine delivers an external electric pulse to the patient, which stops the spasm and allows the natural rhythm of the heart to start again.

Training will be provided to council staff to use the equipment. The foolproof public access defibrillators include instructions so that members of the public can use them in an emergency, guided by 999 operators.

Studies have shown that early defibrillation greatly increases a patient’s chances of survival and recovery.

Councillor Val Slater, Bradford Council deputy leader and executive member for health and wellbeing, said: "We have been told by the ambulance service that Bradford is leading the way in the provision of defibrillators, and they hope our example could be followed by other local authorities in the county.

"Our buildings are used by many members of the public, as well as staff, and it’s good to know that in an emergency, help is on hand immediately.”

Bradford Council chief executive, Kersten England, added: "Hopefully, we will never have to use the defibrillators but its reassuring to know they are in place.

"Life-saving technology has progressed to the point where it makes sense to have defibrillators available in as many locations as possible.”