Defibrillators have been placed in parks and green spaces across Ashfield to increase access to life-saving equipment.

The defibrillators are in a locked box that can only be opened using a code.

To access the unit, people should dial 999 and the ambulance service will provide the code — meaning emergency first aid can start while the ambulance is on its way to the incident.

The units are fully automatic and talk users through the process required.

Defibrillators have been earmarked for King’s Mill Reservoir, Cowpasture Lane, and Woodlands Medical Practice, Sutton; and Titchfield Park and Mayfield Street changing rooms, Kirkby.

Coun Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Council, said “Research shows that on average a defibrillator is 726 metres away from the centre of any given postcode.

“We are proud to help reduce this terrifying figure in Ashfield. These life-saving devices really do make all the difference to cardiac arrest survival rates.

“We are committed to making our town centres, parks, and open spaces safer for everyone, and this includes improving access to defibrillators.

“We hope they don’t have to be used, but it’s reassuring knowing that if they are needed, they are available for everyone.”

Defibrillators can restore a normal heartbeat by sending an electric pulse or shock to the heart. If a defibrillator is used within the first minute of a problem, the survival rate can be as high as 90%. If a defibrillator is used within the first three to five minutes, the likelihood of survival is around 74%.

The British Heart Foundation has a free online training course that teaches people how to use a defibrillator and how to do CPR — go to www.bhf.org.uk

Ashfield District Council has already installed several defibrillators across the district, including outside council offices and on Ells Street, Kirkby; on Brook Street, Portland Square, and Sutton Lawn, Sutton; and Tesco Express, Huthwaite.