Coleford's Mount of Olives Church has installed a new defibrillator for their local community, boosting the Forest of Dean's emergency provision.

In 2022, the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) said 28% of its callouts were to people suffering cardiac arrest.

Emma Fawcett​, Supporter Engagement Coordinator said: "Right now, fewer than 1 in 10 will survive a cardiac arrest in the UK. But with early bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) plus defibrillation within 3-5 min of collapse, we can produce survival rates as high as 49-75%."

Thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Mount of Olives Church community, led by Paul Nicholls, residents of Coleford will have that best chance on their worst day, says the GWAAC.

"Due to the incredible generosity of the local community and Coleford Town Council, over £2000 was raised to enable GWAAC to supply the new defibrillator. Rich Ellis of J W Lee Electrical Services gave his time without charge to complete the installation safely and ensure it is ready for public use if required.

"Together, we can improve outcomes for our shared community and see fewer avoidable deaths. We want anyone who suffers a cardiac arrest to receive immediate CPR and defibrillation so that we can see more people like Forrest Wheeler, who collapsed in Pittville Park, Cheltenham. Thanks to early CPR, early defibrillation, and GWAAC's Critical Care Team who put Forrest in an induced coma, he is still here." 

Mr Wheeler said: "If anyone takes anything away from my story, it's that if you have any hesitations about using a defibrillator – don't. My message is, just use it. The machine tells you what to do, it's so easy and it's better to give it a go than not try at all."

If you want to fundraise or purchase a defibrillator for your community, please get in touch with the GWAAC team by emailing hearts@gwaac.com  or visiting here .