City takes stock of new defibrillators

Sunderland is below the national average for the number of defibrillators per head

Sunderland is to take delivery of 29 new life-saving defibrillators, but the city is still lagging behind the national average.

The area currently has 300 defibrillators; easy to use devices that can improve the survival chances of anyone having a cardiac arrest.

That is the equivalent of 11 for every 10,000 people - below the national average of 15.

The new equipment, being installed in areas where access is currently limited, will help to close the gap, according to Sunderland City Council.

The defibrillators are being installed by the Red Sky Foundation as part of the city's efforts to increase cardiac arrest survival rates.

Five community first responder schemes will also be established, with volunteers trained to attend medical emergencies prior to the arrival of an ambulance.