Skydiving dare devil Taverham Dental Surgery staff member Kelly Sutton who helped raise money to by the defibrillator which was presented to the surgery by Norfolk British Heart Foundation. PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY

Staff at a dental surgery have helped to raise money for a new piece of life-saving equipment.

Taverham Dental Health Centre has been presented with a defibrillator by the British Heart Foundation.

The machine gives the heart an electric shock if someone has suffered a cardiac arrest.

For every minute that passes without defibrillation chances of survival decrease by 14pc.

Research shows that applying a controlled shock within five minutes of collapse provides the best possible chances of survival. The importance of defibrillators was highlighted when Bolton footballer Fabrice Muamba collapsed during a match and the equipment helped save his life.

The Fakenham Road practice launched a fundraising campaign and raised £877.50 through family and friends, while patients also sponsored receptionist Kelly Sutton to take part in a skydive.

Practice manager Julie Barton said: “If having a defibrillator means we can save someone’s life, then that’s fantastic.”

Alex Mayer, Norfolk British Heart Foundation fundraising manager, said: “If someone suffers a cardiac arrest, every second counts, and now Taverham dental surgery has a defibrillator it will be a vital link in the chain of survival.”

If other organisations would like to apply for similar lifesaving equipment, visit bhf.org.uk/defib to find out how. To organise a fundraising event to help raise money for the British Heart Foundation, contact mayera@bhf.org.uk or call 01223 862695.