CAMELFORD Town Council received a presentation from Alan Odges of Duchy Defibrillators at its meeting last week, following its decision to purchase a defibrillator for Camelford Hall.

The firm work hand-in-hand with FLEET (Front Line Emergency Equipment Trust) to provide public access defibrillator cabinets throughout Cornwall.

Mr Odges explained that the cabinet has a digital lock, which is vandal proof. The cabinet can only be accessed via a code, which is issued by ambulance control.

The cabinet and defibrillator is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and a key is also left with a ‘guardian.’

He added: “There’s no reason why you could never get into that cabinet if you have the code or the key.”

The cabinets are monitored, using Wi-Fi, and will send a message back to the control centre when the cabinet has been opened and if, for example, the temperature of the cabinet is too hot or cold.

Mr Odges said: “They are the easiest thing in the world and anyone can use them without training.”

As well as the defibrillator, the cabinet contains a kit including scissors, a mouth guard, gloves, cloth and a razor.

The cost of the defibrillator cabinet is £2,500, with an annual fee of £160 plus VAT to cover the replenishment of pads etc.

Mayor, Rob Rotchell noted that as well as Wi-Fi, the unit would need an electricity supply, but Mr Odges said they use in the region of three watts a day, which equates to one pence a day.

Mr Odges was thanked for his presentation and Mr Rotchell said the council would be in touch.