A potentially lifesaving piece of emergency equipment to help people suffering cardiac arrest is now available to the community in a Cornish town after it was purchased and installed by engineering company Flann Microwave.

The automated external defibrillator (AED) can deliver a high energy electric shock to help restart the heart of someone in cardiac arrest.

The machine is now in place at Flann’s offices and engineering facility in Dunmere Road, Bodmin, and is accredited and registered with the South West Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust as well as being monitored by CCTV.

The aim is to provide the community with access to a vital piece of emergency aid equipment which is safe and easy to operate, including giving first aiders clear, step-by-step, spoken instructions.

Flann will be alerted by emergency services if the defibrillator is required at a local incident and staff have offered to deliver the defibrillator to where it is needed. The machine will also be available for local community responders and callers directed by the South Western Ambulance Service 999 control system.

Professor James Watts, Chief Executive of Flann Microwave, said: “As a business based in Bodmin for almost 40 years we wanted to do something for the town and in particular for the benefit of the growing business and residential community around us.

“Defibrillators can save lives and having access to one in an emergency can make a significant difference to the survival chances of someone suffering cardiac arrest.”

With a 60-strong team based in Dunmere Road, Bodmin, Flann has grown over six decades to secure a global reputation and market leading position in the design and manufacture of precision microwave communications equipment, for example, in radar and to allow internet and mobile data to be carried between mobile phone masts or through satellite links.

The company serves customers in the telecoms, government, automotive, aerospace, defence and research sectors, exporting more than 80 per cent of production to customers all around the world. It has also worked with UK and overseas government agencies to write many of the standards used in the industry.