NEWPORT has become the first village in Uttlesford to have 24-hour public access to a potentially life-saving piece of equipment.

An Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) unit, located by Newport Pharmacy in The High Street, was officially turned on by members of the East of England Ambulance Service and the Newport fire brigade.

Station Manager at Newport Fire Station, Neil Byford, said: “We can all consider it as another benefit to life saving in and around Newport. Our fire tender passes the defib unit on the way to local incidents. Since we’re local retained fire-fighters, we can have access to the defibrillator 24-hours a day, and can treat on-site trauma cases whenever needed.”

The unit was switched on following a successful training course in first-aid and defibrillation passed by 12 Newport fire and ambulance professionals, as well as members of the public.

The installation of the AED unit was organised by the Newport Business Association with the support and assistance of Newport Parish Council, Newport Fire Station, Stansted Airport Community Trust and Newport Pharmacy.

Newport Business Association is organising the next free AED course early next year. For further information please call Jeremy Rose on 01799 541114 or email defib@c-lutions.co.uk to register for the course.