Bramhall Cricket Club has been given a defibrillator by Stockport manufacturers Cardiac Science.

The move is part of an ongoing campaign by the company to increase survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) by placing free automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in the community via donation or sponsorship.

Kevin Webb, club president, took receipt of the device this week and was given a briefing – together with other club officials – on how to use it in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

The plan is to roll out the training in the next few weeks to a key group of individuals at the club.

Andrea Airey, from Cardiac Science in Heaton Moor, who ran the briefing, said: “It’s good to identify some ‘first responders’, give them an overview now and build the training into a wider first aid approach which is revisited regularly.”

She added: “It is important to get people familiar with the device, but it is designed to be picked up by anyone in a stressful emergency situation and be good to go.”

The Powerheart G3 AED from Cardiac Science is one of the most intuitive on the market. It literally talks a rescuer through the process step by step. It will only give a shock if required and will scale up the intensity if necessary.

Kevin, who also happens to be a Professor of Respiratory Medicine at Wythenshawe hospital, was impressed with the functionality of the unit and said it was much needed.

“We can have over 200 youngsters and their families here on a Friday night during the season and regular matches and events, In fact the footfall over a year can total well over 10,000 people. We now have the means to better protect that community.

“We are very grateful to Cardiac Science for such a generous and potentially life-saving donation.”

Established in 1886 Bramhall Cricket Club is one of the most successful clubs in Cheshire with a thriving junior section and facilities and opportunities for players of all ages and abilities.

The club has a three-year relationship with 1000 Hearts for Harry, a charity which campaigns alongside CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) to provide better cardiac screening for youngsters and fund research into heart conditions.

A screening session for 200 14-35 year olds, funded by 1000 Hearts for Harry is scheduled for September this year at the cricket club.

Cardiac Science has also donated a second unit to 1000 Hearts for Harry which will be auctioned to raise funds for their work.