A new defibrillator, that would potentially be a life saver, has been brought for the use of the community by family-run business, the Brian Etherington Meat Company.

The wholesale butchers and award-winning Farm Shop based at Wheal Rose near Scorrier have invested in the equipment, that will be available to local residents and businesses in the surrounding area.

Managing director Mark Etherington said: “By investing in this life saving equipment and having a defibrillator readily available at the scene, we are supporting our local community and ambulance service. As a family run company that has been serving the Cornish community for over 60 years, Etherington’s is well placed for, and passionate about, increasing awareness of automated external defibrillators (AEDs)."

Amateur first-aiders can now use modern, portable defibrillators with minimal instruction. Etherington’s bought their new equipment from Cornwall Training and Consultancy after staff undertook a three-day first aid course.

The defibrillator is located within the Farm Shop and is accessible 9am-5pm, Monday to Saturday.

*Statistics from the Resuscitation Council show that if an AED is used and effective CPR is performed within three to five minutes of a heart attack the chances of survival increases from six per cent to 74 per cent.