DULVERTON now has 28 people trained in how to use a defibrillator and provide CPR, thanks to a town council initiative that could help save lives.

The council approached the British Heart Foundation which donated a defibrillator on the understanding that it would get people to attend CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) courses.

“We advertised heavily and held four courses, so we now have 28 people who can use the defibrillator,” said Cllr Ian Fleming.

“They also understand all about CPR, in case they are not near a defibrillator, which involves pressing on the chest and doing mouth to mouth resuscitation – and they could well save a life.”

He said that in October he planned to also encourage younger people to come along to more such courses, specifically aimed at the under 30 age group.

The defibrillator – a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart, to someone who is in cardiac arrest – will be kept safely in the Lion Hotel in the town centre with 24-hour access.