LIFESAVING skills were shared with residents and staff when members of Stanford, Corringham and Tilbury Community First Responders visited the Kynoch Court sheltered housing complex in Stanford-le-Hope.

The occasion was to officially mark the installation of an automated external defibrillator at the complex – which is also available to residents in the near vicinity.

And the day was regarded as something of a triumph by residents and staff at Kynoch Court who had to win a lengthy battle with administrators at Thurrock Council, which managed the complex.

Originally the council objected to placing the device on its premises, on the grounds of cost, responsibility and maintenance but in the end the will of the residents prevailed – thanks in part to the help and support of local MP Stephen Metcalfe. They have raised enough to ensure maintenance of the device and its box going forwards.

They raised the money for the device to be installed with fundraising events at the complex and with contributions from local organisations including the Rotary Club of Mar Dyke Valley and DP World London Gateway.

The visit of the First Responders was to show residents how the defibrillator works and how to manage the situation in an emergency, including how to administer CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

First Responders co-ordinator Sue Wilsdon was one of those attending the event and thanked the residents for their hospitality and efforts to get the defibrillator installed.

She was accompanied by Eddie Willey who gave the practical demonstration of how the unit works.