A new defibrillator has been installed outside the offices of a home care provider after the first one was stolen.

The new device has been located with a secure cabinet at 'Right at Home' East Lancashire and Ribble Valley, in Whalley Road, Wilpshire, after the original defibrillator was stolen three years ago. 

The homecare provider held several fundraising activities and received donations from Wilpshire Parish Council and Blackburn Rotary Club to support with the installation of the life-saving equipment.

Managing director of Right at Home, Julie Foote, said she realised the importance of the device after members of the public asked to use it. 

She said: “Despite previous fundraising efforts to purchase the original defibrillator, mindless individuals stole the device, leaving the area without this life-saving piece of equipment. 

“Having to tell someone dealing with a life-threatening situation that it was no longer available is one of the hardest predicaments to find yourself in.”

Julie added: “To help someone who is in cardiac arrest survive, a defibrillator needs to be found as quickly as possible.

"For every minute it takes for the defibrillator to reach someone and deliver a shock, their chances of survival lower. 

“That’s why this device is so important for our community.” 

In addition to fundraising for the defibrillator, Right at Home East Lancashire said it is working in partnership with British Heart Foundation to raise vital funds for new research and help raise awareness surrounding heart disease. 

Since January 2023, the homecare provider has been promoting the RevivR app, which allows members of the public to learn CPR at home in 15 minutes.

The app also contains information on how to maintain a healthy heart.

More and more community defibrillators are being installed across East Lancashire, to give those who suffer cardiac arrest in public places the best chances of survival to allow immediate treatment.