A gym chain is installing life- saving equipment to help people who suffer from a heart attack.

The Gym Group has teamed up with South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) to put in defibrillators at its branches in Brighton and Crawley.

All staff will be trained to use the equipment, which can kick start a heart if it goes into cardiac arrest.

Secamb is actively trying to increase the number of defibrillators across the county and works with local groups and organisations to identify suitable locations.

Using a defibrillator, along with CPR, significantly increases the survival rates of heart attack patients.

Secamb head of voluntary services Darren Reynolds said: “We’re delighted to have been able to work with The Gym Group to install the defibrillators.

“Many of us like to take responsibility for our own health, by becoming more active in our lives and eating healthily so it’s great to see a local health and leisure centre also taking action by installing this vital equipment to make its gyms safer places for everyone to work out.” Gym Group chief executive John Treharne said: “If we save just one life, all resources invested will have been worthwhile.

“Administering defibrillation is a simple procedure that can, quite literally, make the difference between life and death.”

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