Call for life-savers (From Barry And District News)

Call for life-savers

GIBBONSDOWN councillor Rob Curtis has called for all Vale of Glamorgan sports complexes to be fitted with life-saving portable defibrillators.

Cllr Curtis, whose father died of a heart attack, says that having the equipment to hand can give victims of heart attacks a better chance of survival.

He said: "The equipment is totally portable and can be used by staff after less than a day's training.

"I have no doubt that this equipment would save lives - the sooner we install them the more lives we will be able to save."

David Knevett, operational Manager of Leisure and Tourism, confirmed to Cllr Curtis that there are currently no defibrillators at leisure centres within the Vale of Glamorgan.

He said: "The procurement of eight defibrillators is currently being investigated by the Leisure Centre Management team."

Barry Leisure Centre and Penarth Leisure Centre have been identified as possible sites.

Mr Knevett said: "Over the last six months research has been undertaken with regards to training, possible sources of funding, insurance, liability and costing.

"Meetings have taken place with the Head of the Ambulance Service, First response Unit Co-ordinaor of Wales, the Head of Primary Care within the Vale of Glamorgan Local Health Board and the Director of Community Services."