WORKERS at Suffolk’s household waste recycling centres are being given lifesaving defibrillators and training as part of a ground breaking partnership.

The East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST), FCC Environment and Suffolk County Council have teamed up to provide each of the 11 sites with automated external defibrillators (AEDs) that can be used to treat people who suffer a cardiac arrest.

Lisa Chambers, the county council’s cabinet member for environment and property management, said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to provide the household waste recycling centres with these lifesaving devices, and with the training for the staff to be able to use them safely.

“Our sites are very safe but with the numbers of people using the service we feel that it is important that we provide the best care we can for our customers.”

The UK Resuscitation Council suggests that an AED should be available wherever medical treatment is more than five minutes away. Jason Gillingham, EEAST’s assistant general manager in East Suffolk, said: “Getting a defibrillator to someone who suffers a cardiac arrest along with someone trained to use it is key to helping restart a patient’s heart.

“We are pleased to be able to work with Suffolk County Council and FCC Environment on this project as more defibrillators in public places will help make a massive difference and save more lives across the region.“