TWO Keighley businesses have installed defibrillators on their premises to be used by the public as well as workers.

The companies decided to make Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) available to the public to strengthen the chance of survival for anyone who suffered a heart attack in the immediate area.

Isa Ali, human resource manager for KFA Medical, said defibrillators were becoming more commonplace in public locations around the UK, but still many businesses did not have an AED.

He said: “KFA Medical and S & J Civils have gone out of their way to have one fitted on each of their premises.

“Both AED's are publicly accessible because there are no warning signs for sudden cardiac arrest, just the realisation that when it happens to someone, treatment is required as fast as possible to provide the victim with the greatest chance of survival.

“Current emergency response times for a cardiac event are approximately eight to 11 minutes. If a defibrillator is used and effective CPR is performed within three to five minutes of cardiac arrest, their chance of survival increases from 6 per cent to 74 per cent.

“We believe if the public has access to defibrillators it will strengthen the chance of survival. The new portable AEDs will enable more people to respond to a medical emergency as soon as possible.”

KFA Medical, based in Park Lane, Keighley, provides first-aid training, blood and organ transport, and patient transport services.

S & J Civils, based in Marriner Road, Keighley, is a construction and civil engineering contractor, that carries out tasks for utility companies such as trench work, electricity installation, and water and gas supply.