STAFF at Hale and Co in Drybrook have invested in a life-saving machine.

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is ready for use on the premises of the family-run timber and builder's merchants at Nailbridge, in the event that somebody suffers a cardiac arrest.

The machine is applied to the chest of the casualty and sends a controlled shock to the heart to restart. Research shows that applying the machine within five minutes of collapse provides the best possible chances of survival.

The machine has also been logged on the South West Ambulance Service register with the information available to control room staff for any incidents near the site.

Several members of staff have been instructed on how to use the machine by trainers from Occupational Training Solutions (OTS) based in Gloucester.

Leslie Hale, managing director of Hale and Co, said: "We have over 50 staff and at least 250 customers every working day on site, so we felt it was very important to have this equipment because if someone has a cardiac arrest here or in the local area the immediate response capability covering the first few minutes is vital.

"We hope that by investing in this piece of equipment, it may give someone a chance of survival which they may not otherwise have had. The community will also have the benefit of the use of the defibrillator during the working day."

Trainer at OTS, Wendy White added: "Anyone of any age can suffer a cardiac arrest anytime, anywhere. The more defibrillators we have out in the community and the more people we have trained in their use, the better. These machines are simple to use, they even talk you through the actions to take."