Todmorden Town Council to install seven defibrillators throughout the town

Six of these lifesaving pieces of equipment will be publicly accessible 24 hours a day and one will be housed in the Town Hall and can be accessed whenever the Town Hall is in use.

An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It's a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can analyse the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.

The defibrillators will be located throughout Todmorden with a hope that these vital pieces of equipment will be more readily available and accessible in an emergency.

The aim is to have them all installed and working by the end of the financial year.

Emma Kovaleski, Charity Manager at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Charity, said: “The installation marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of CHFT Charity to work within our local communities to mobilise projects and initiatives that support the health and wellbeing of local people.

"As a Charity, we’re committed to helping our hospitals and community healthcare services go that extra mile and provide amazing support for our colleagues, patients and communities, beyond the limits, services and provision NHS funding alone can provide.”

The Town Council would like to thank Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Charity for their financial support of the defib project meaning the Council have been able to increase the number being installed from four to seven.

The council is also grateful to local people who have agreed for the defibrillators to be installed on there businesses. Gaynor Hallinan owner of the (Glen View Pub), Terry Luddington owner of the (Lydgate Post Office), Steve Berry, Secretary, and Angus Morritt of Bottoms Masonic Rooms, of the Masonic Hall in Eastwood, Alan Sanderson and Angus Morritt of Todmorden Social Club Committee and Richard Scholfield, owner (North View – Working Men’s Club), Marshall O’Brien (Hollins Mill) and Jenny Coleman, Chair of the Fielden Centre Association and Paul Brannigan, Manager of The Calder Valley Community Trust (Fielden Centre).