Barnsley East MP Michael Dugher has called for defibrillators to be installed in all schools and public buildings across Barnsley.

 

He has said that many lives could be saved every year if Britain followed the lead of other countries and makes it a legal requirement the installation of defibrillators in schools and public places.

 

"Too many lives are being lost that could be saved if only communities were better equipped to provide an emergency response.

 

“I believe that a new law on defibrillators should be backed by better education on how to use them.

 

"Just as we require fire extinguishers to be on hand, it's time for Parliament to act and set a minimum requirement on the location of defibrillators.

 

Mr Dugher is campaigning for the Government to make it compulsory to have them in train stations, shopping centres and schools and called for an open public register of defibrillators so people can quickly locate the nearest one using modern technology.

 

He added: “The campaign is growing and an e-petition initiated by the Oliver King Foundation has attracted more than 100,000 signatures. Oliver King died two years ago after suffering a cardiac arrest during a school swimming lesson. He was just 12 years old.

 

“It is clear that wider access to defibrillators and staff training would help save lives.”