A LIFESAVING defibrillator has been installed at the Bh2 complex, kindly providing vital equipment to visitors in the centre and surrounding areas in the town.

The defibrillator, which has been donated by Bournemouth Rotary, will be installed on the ground floor of Bh2 Leisure between restaurants TGI Friday’s and Pizza Express.

Roz Scammell, the Immediate Past President of Bournemouth Rotary said: "My Club is delighted to donate a defibrillator for installation in Bh2 and hope that it will help give the best chance of survival to someone suffering from cardiac arrest."

Whilst there are a number of defibrillators now located across the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch area, there aren’t many registered defibrillators in the Bournemouth town centre and the ones at Westbourne Medical Centre and Redweb on Holdenhurst Road have limited accessibility.

Martin Fagan, National Secretary of the Community Heartbeat Trust charity said: “Community Heartbeat are delighted to have helped Bh2 Leisure in partnership with Rotary. Defibrillators are an important part of saving lives, and we can never have too many.

“From the time someone collapses, is unconscious and not breathing, you have about 5 minutes to save their life. Call 999 ambulance straight away, and then commence chest compressions, don't worry about breaths.

“This keeps them alive long enough to get and use the defibrillator. Actions within the first couple of minutes can save over 50% of patients with SCA. Minutes Matter.”

Bryan Taylor, Centre Manager of Bh2 said: “We’re extremely grateful to Bournemouth Rotary who have kindly donated the AED to Bh2 which hopefully will not be used any time soon, however it’s great to have the equipment available to assist in any emergencies which may arise.”