A NEW life-saving defibrillator has been installed in Rawdon.

The equipment - which is used alongside resuscitation or CPR to give the best chance of survival after a cardiac arrest - is now in place at Rawdon's Greenacre Hall.

Funded by the Outer North West Community Committee, the new life-saving unit has already been called upon in an emergency – although thankfully its use was not required.

Local Guiseley and Rawdon Councillor, Paul Alderson, said he was very happy to welcome another councillor funded public access defibrillator to the ward.

A defibrillator applies a small shock of electricity allowing the heart’s normal electrical system to resume normal rhythm. These devices are fully automatic which means anyone can use it in an emergency, saving precious minutes before the emergency services arrive.

Cllr Paul Alderson will also look after the new unit at Greenacre Hall as the defibrillator's 'guardian’.

Being a defibrillator guardian involves checking a defibrillator regularly to make sure it can be used in an emergency. It also includes registering it on The Circuit and keeping the record updated.

The Circuit – the national defibrillator network, provides the NHS ambulance services with vital information about defibrillators across the UK so that in those crucial moments after a cardiac arrest, they can be accessed quickly to help save lives.

Councillor Paul Alderson (Conservative, Guiseley & Rawdon Ward) said: "I am delighted to have been able to organise for a new life-saving defibrillator installation at Rawdon's Greenacre Hall.

"The new public access defibrillator will serve not only the local community, but also the growing number of groups and good causes who are now using Greenacre Hall on a daily basis.

“Funding for the defibrillator was secured from the Outer North West Community Committee's Wellbeing Fund, and it follows the successful installation of another councillor-funded unit currently offering coverage on the ward's High Royds estate.

“The Greenacre Hall defibrillator is registered with the ambulance service, and for urgent access you should always call 999 who will direct you to your nearest emergency ready defibrillator.”