BURLEY’S new lifesaving defibrillator had to be called into action after a man collapsed in the village – even before the piece of equipment was officially launched.

The public access defibrillator (PAD) was called upon by an off-duty doctor who went to the man’s aid during the Remembrance Sunday wreath laying at Burley war memorial. The equipment was on standby just in case it was needed before the arrival of ambulance crews. However, on this occasion it did not have to be used.

Cllr Jane Kendall said: “The gentleman just collapsed without warning and when we told the doctor he asked for the defibrillator and we sent someone to the box to collect it immediately. In the end it was not used, but it was there so quickly ready to be used if the man had gone into cardiac arrest. Defibrillators save lives.”

The defibrillator is on the outside wall of the village hall in Pound Lane and when it is needed a 999 call handler will provide a code to members of the public.

Councillor Philip Daubeney, chairman of Burley Parish Council said: "The parish council were pleased to be able to provide this defibrillator for the benefit of residents and visitors to the village. If it helps prevent just one avoidable death it will be money well spent."

The man who collapsed at the war memorial was taken to hospital and has since been discharged.

Cllr Kendall said: "His wife has expressed her gratitude to all involved in his care at the scene, and especially as a defibrillator was there ready so quickly just in case it was needed."

Anyone interested in learning how to administer CPR should contact Heartstart on 0844 500 9699.