A PUBLIC access defibrillator is set to be installed on Otley Chevin.

Brian Firth, who founded Public Access Defibrillators UK in 2013, says that due to the high usage of the Chevin by members of the public along with running groups and charity events, Surprise View was calling out for a defibrillator to safeguard the users.

Mr Firth said: "This defibrillator has been funded by a local family who wish to remain anonymous. We applaud their initiative for which we are very grateful.

"Also, a big thank you goes to our chief coordinator Andy Bodkin who installed the cabinet."

"Since its launch in 2013, Public Access Defibrillators UK has exceeded all expectations and is now the largest defibrillator organisation in Yorkshire, having saved 24 lives to date.

"It is a totally non-profit project run solely by volunteer guardians, trainers and fundraisers."

There are now hundreds of community defibrillators linked to the project, stretching from Cornwall to Scotland.

Brian said: "The success of the project is due to the support of its volunteers without whom it would simply not work, and the communities that have contributed towards the equipment and consumables.

"Every defibrillator has to be checked on a regular basis to ensure that they are rescue ready, and again following a deployment.

"All our defibrillators are registered with the circuit which was created by the British Heart Foundation.

"They work in conjunction with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service to ensure the defibrillators are deployed to any life threatening emergency occurring within 600 meters of the defibrillator.

"If your community has a Public Access Defibrillator that has not been registered with the circuit we can arrange that for you.

"It is also crucial that a defibrillator guardian is appointed to ensure that it is rescue ready whenever shown to be available.

"If your community defibrillator does not have a guardian we may be able to assist with that."

The new Labour MP for the area, Katie White, recently visited the Chevin to see the new defibrillator.

Brian said: "It was great to see her getting involved with community projects from the outset."

If you are considering purchasing a Public Access Defibrillator for your community, contact Brian on 07909 660375 or email info@publicaccessdefibrillators.uk.

Anyone who wishes to support the project with donations or sponsorship, contact Brian for details.

Donations can be ringfenced for specific defibrillators or communities.

To find out more, visit publicaccessdefibrillators.uk/the-package