A DEFIBRILLATOR has been installed in Bracknell High Street, which gives the best chance of survival to someone who is in cardiac arrest before ambulance services arrive.

The machine has been fitted by The Lexicon, Bracknell Forest Council and the Community Heartbeat Trust. It is located on the wall next to the Game store.

The defibrillator delivers an electric shock during Cardiac arrest to stop the fibrillation of the heart and allow it to work normally.

Gavin Vidler, deputy general manager at The Lexicon, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this new facility in the town centre for everyone to use, to complement the defibrillators that we already have in place at The Lexicon.

“Thanks to the Easthampstead Rotary Club for introducing us to the Community Heartbeat Trust and so helping make it happen.”

The machine analyses the patients heart rhythm and uses visual or voice prompts to guide people through the steps.

To access the cabinet, which can sometimes be locked the ambulance service will give the access code when 999 is called.

Marc Brunel-Walker, executive member for economic development and regeneration, added: “Using a defibrillator makes a significant difference to the survival rate of someone in cardiac arrest.

"It will be part of a network of more than 45 defibrillators available in public places around the borough.”

Martin Fragon the National Secretary at the Community Heart Beat Trust believes that with more leisure facilities and food outlets there is an increased risk of Cardiac Arrest.

He said: “Having a defibrillator as part of an emergency procedure will save lives. The Lexicon is a busy area, and therefore with leisure facilities and food outlets there is an increased risk of Cardiac Arrest.

“Cardiac Arrest can be due to a Heart Attack, choking, injury and a great many other causes. Only helping people understand that it is better to do something rather than nothing, and to undertake CPR and use a defibrillator, will lives be saved.”