A CHANCE conversation between a retired ambulance man and a local councillor concerning the disastrous effects of heart disease, has led to a defibrillator being placed in Tremadog.

Bryan Griffiths, who worked in the ambulance service for over 20 years, and Cllr Alwyn Gruffydd, both from Tremadog, immediately set about raising the £1,700 needed to purchase the life-saving device for the village.

More than 60,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest outside hospitals every year in the UK. But only one in 10 people survive. This is significantly lower than survival rates in other countries where rates of bystander CPR and defibrillation with a public access defibrillator are higher.

Mr Griffiths said: “In less than a fortnight, all the money was raised by public subscription, along with handsome contributions from local businesses.

“We’re extremely thankful to all who supported our appeal in this worthwhile enterprise.”

The newly-acquired mobile defibrillator is now available to use after being centrally placed outside Tremadog’s Spar shop, free of charge by local craftsmen. Electricity to keep the defibrillator case warm in cold weather is also freely provided by the Spar shop.

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