New 24/7 community defibrillator installed in Long Melford thanks to generosity of resident

A resident from Long Melford, who was keen to support a community project, has funded a new defibrillator in the village.

The latest piece of life-saving equipment to be installed is now stationed in Hall Street – thanks to the kindness of Richard Lindsay.

Praising the effectiveness of the project, Martin Richards, a member of Long Melford Parish Council’s defibrillator working group and a Sudbury community first responder, said: “It’s tremendous – it makes such a difference.”

Recognising the key role that the devices can have in saving people’s lives, Mr Richards established a scheme to provide people with basic first aid techniques.

“I set it up as a local charity to support the community,” he said.

Despite the equipment being straightforward to use, Mr Richards said people can often feel daunted by the device.

Through the key sessions run by Gryphon First Aid Unit, Mr Richards said people are put at ease.

He said: “The defibrillator tells them exactly what to do, but we want them to have the confidence to use the equipment.”