RESIDENTS who now have a defibrillator at their village hall benefitted from the advice and knowledge of Launceston Voluntary First-Aid Service (LVFS) last week.

There were two sessions from the first aid group on Thursday, February 16 at Langore Village Hall teaching basic first aid and showing how to use a defibrillator — a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart through the chest wall to someone who is in cardiac arrest.

Langore Village Hall was provided with the defibrillator by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), with a £400 donation to the charity from St Stephen by Launceston Rural Parish Council.

The group who gathered at the evening session with LVFS chair and trainer Barry Gibson learned how to react when finding a casualty, how to put someone into the recovery position, and had the chance to put CPR skills into practice with resuscitation mannequins.

Barry then used a trainer defibrillator to teach life-saving skills.

The group heard of people that had received defibrillation, and who had gone on to live for many more years.

The Launceston Voluntary First-Aid Service will be holding a ‘Save a Life Day’ at Kensey Vale Bowling Club, Newport, this Saturday, February 25.

All are welcome to two free sessions teaching people how to assist when someone is choking, the recovery position, and how to administer CPR, to give people an idea how to help should the worst happen at home or when out and about.

Those who attend will gain a general insight of what to do in case of an emergency to help people of all ages.

The free sessions will run from 10am to noon, and 2pm to 4pm, with refreshments provided. All ages are welcome.

To book a place or for more information, email [email protected] or call 07779 761 162.

The service welcomes new members. Visit the website for more information — www.lvfs.co.uk