An Ipswich businessman who was revived with a defibrillator following an accident has now had one of the life-saviing devices installed at his company’s offices.

Tim Ryan, chairman of insurance group Ryan’s, was the driving force behind the project, which has also included training for 50 staff in how to use a defibrillator along with other basic life-saving skills.

Besides being of potential benefit to the firm’s own people, the device could also help the general public as there have been occasions when staff have been called on to help following accidents outside its offices on Ipswich’s busy London Road.

Mr Ryan said: “It is important that we make sure that we have the right training and equipment to help people should the worst happen. We cannot expect someone to save our life if we don’t go to the effort to learn how it’s done.

“Having had my life saved by trained paramedics with the right equipment focuses the mind on how important it is to have the right equipment and skills to help people. This is why we have invested in training and equipment for our people and community.”

The automated external defibrillator (AED) installed at the Ryan’s office is designed to be used by people with no medical training.

Shirley Snell, first aider at the firm, added: “We are delighted to have a defibrillator at Ryan’s, although we hope we will not need to use it.”