MP backs bid to get life-saving kit to all

PLAID Cymru Member of Parliament for Dwyfor Meirionnydd Liz Saville Roberts has given her backing to a campaign raising awareness of sudden death syndrome, which aims to provide rural communities with public-access defibrillators.

The local MP, who recently supported fundraising efforts to get a public defibrillator for the communities of Llanfrothen, Rhyd and Croesor, is urging communities, schools and public venues across Dwyfor Meirionnydd to engage with Welsh Hearts, the heart charity for Wales, which is fundraising to provide every single community in Wales with a defibrillator.

She said: “I’m proud to support Welsh Hearts and their lifesaving campaign to provide defibrillators across my constituency.

“The value of early CPR and having an accessible defibrillator in the community is irrefutable. There are people who are alive today because there was one nearby.

“I would encourage any community that doesn’t already have a defibrillator to get in touch with Welsh Hearts and take up the lifesaving services they offer.”

Welsh Hearts North Wales Fundraising Manager Nick Aitken added, “When someone has a cardiac arrest, their chances of survival drop by up to 14% for every minute that passes. Defibrillation within four to five minutes gives the best chance of survival.”