A LIFE-SAVING defibrillator has been installed on the wall outside of the Seabreeze Café at Torcross on Slapton Sands.

Villagers were recently shown how the new defibrillator works by Torcross man and Community First-Responder, Graham Simmons and Justin Sharples, Assistant Community Responder Officer from the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

The easy-to-use machine could mean the difference between life and death for someone suffering a cardiac arrest.

Graham Simmons said: ‘This is a great asset for Torcross. It is reassuring to know that we have the defibrillator here and that we can help, if necessary.’

The machine, which requires no formal training to be used, works by delivering a controlled electric shock to the heart through sticky pads placed on the chest and is only administered if the device has identified a life threatening heart rhythm which requires, and is suitable, for a shock.

The machine talks you through what to do, and with advice from the emergency call-handler, means that anyone can help save a life.

Justin Sharples, Assistant Community Responder Officer for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust said: ‘The first few minutes of a cardiac arrest are crucial, so having this life-saving equipment available, while the ambulance is en route, gives the patient the best possible chance of survival.’

You can find out where your closest defibrillator is on our map: tinyurl.com/southhamsdefibs