Taverham dental centre gets defibrillator

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.