Call for life-saving town centre defibrillators

Potentially life-saving defibrillators should be located throughout Newtown for the public to use.

The call has been made by Dr Timothy McVey of Newtown Medical Practice who has won the backing of Newtown Town Council for the idea.

The £1,000 defibrillators could be located at key public areas in the town, or within accessible premises, to speed up the response to someone needing immediate medical assistance after a suspected heart attack.

Many businesses already have such equipment in their premises for use by trained first-aiders, but Dr McVey believes they should be available for the public to use before paramedics or professional medical support can reach people in need in the town.

In neighbouring communities such as Caersws and Tregynon, First Responders try and reach emergency calls to help carry out life-saving treatment before paramedics arrive and use such defibrillators.

The town council has unanimously supported the idea.

It is understood the British Heart Foundation could provide grants for the equipment, although some public fundraising might be needed.