Staff at a car dealership have installed a life-saving defibrillator after an employee's medical emergency.
First aiders from St John Ambulance have been training more than 20 Bowker Ribble Valley workers after their technician fell ill, requiring an ambulance.
On June 17, 2022, Andy Armstrong, a technician at the dealership in Osbaldeston, fell suddenly unwell with chest pains, requiring urgent medical attention.
Since the incident, Mr Armstrong has made a full recovery but the experience prompted discussions about installing a defibrillator on site.
Bowker Motor Group now has six defibrillators installed across sites in Preston and Blackburn.
Mr Armstrong said: "I was lucky. The ambulance service responded quickly. And their prompt care made all the difference. It was an anxious time, and the experience made me think of others who may also need help.
"We started talking about having a defibrillator on-site. It’s great news we've installed one. Better still, it will be available to anyone in the local area who may need it."
Bowker Ribble Valley director Chris Eccles said: "We are grateful Andy is fit and well. His experience was a timely reminder to us all. Our investment in another defibrillator will make a positive impact on our community. Health, well-being, and safety are top priorities. It is another small way we can help make a difference.”
Since their introduction in the early 2000s, The UK Resuscitation Council say defibrillators have saved over 30,000 lives in the UK.
Many private UK companies and organisations now have defibrillators in case of a cardiac emergency.
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