A NEW defibrillator has just been installed at the Link Business Centre in Malvern.

The inspiration for its installation came from Claire Symonds, who works at RPM, one of the firms based on the centre off Howsell Road

She learned on a Red Cross first aid course that if a defibrillator is used within three to five minutes of cardiac arrest, survival rates jump from six per cent to 50 per cent.

She approached Martin Wilesmith, owner of the business centre and suggested that it would be a great asset to install a defibrillator at the centre.

Mr Wilesmith, who himself had heart surgery a few years ago immediately agreed.

He contacted Heartstart Malvern, whose treasurer Melanie Baker is also managing director of Melton Support Services Ltd, also based at the centre.

Heartstart arranged the installation of the defibrillator, which is positioned just outside the centre's gates, where it is available for use any time of day or night.

Working together with Heartstart, Link Business Centre is now offering training to any tenants and staff based on the site and other organisations in the locality.

Richard Vakis-Lowe, chairman of Heartstart Malvern, said: "I would like to thank Martin and his team for installing this life-saving defibrillator and would encourage as many people as possible to come forward for training.

"The location of this defibrillator means that it will not only benefit people working at Link Business Centre but it will also benefit the local community.”