MORE Community Defibrillators are being provided for Teignmouth by Teign Heartbeat.

The next planned unit to be installed will be at J’s Academy for Martial Arts, on the Broadmeadow industrial estate.

James White, who runs the academy, is hosting this and is also providing free CPR and defibrillator awareness sessions, to enable people to get familiar with the techniques.

James led a session, using the Annie manequins and training defibrillators provided by the Teign Heartbeat charity.

By the end of the session the group, children and adults of all ages, knew how to do CPR correctly, use the defib’ and, in a final challenge, were all able to place defib’ pads correctly in less than 30 seconds.

Time is of the essence in an emergency so speed could make the difference in a person’s survival.

Shirley Brokenshaw, founder and chair of the Heartbeat charity, said: ‘James is a fantastic trainer and made everything easy to understand.’

He teaches this, as well as first aid, in his job as a fire-fighter and shared lots of tips.

I particularly like the one where an unconscious person can be ‘flipped’ over in a couple of seconds – magic!’

Providing more defibrillator units can be expensive – a defibrillator, for example, is around £900; a cabinet £450 – 485.

Total price for one unit approximately £1,350 to 1,385. Ongoing maintenance costs include replacement batteries (£180) and pads (around £55).

Maintenance on Teignmouth units is kindly carried out by the group from the Surf Life Saving Club.

Shirley said: ‘They have been a great support to the charity, checking units regularly and letting me know what replacements I need to purchase.

‘With their help, and training by James White, we can provide support for all our local residents. Together we can all help to save lives.’

How you can help save lives too: donations to Teign Hearbeat charity 01626 439741 or James White Martial Arts Academy 07475086550.

Practical help, like fundraising; cleaning the cabinets; help with social media etc. also required.

‘Thank you and a big hug to you all.’