A HAMPSHIRE council has installed devices that could one day save someone’s life.

Defibrillators are now ready for use in Fareham Borough Council’s civic offices and also at the town’s Ferneham Hall and the council’s depot.

The devices should give somone suffering a heart attack the best chance of survival when operated by a qualified first aider.

However, they are easy to use and can be operated by anyone.

Several qualified first aiders working in the council’s buildings have been given full training in cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use the defibrillators.

The device gives clear voice instructions on how to prepare the patient, attach the pads and administer CPR, and it works automatically.

It detects the rhythm of the heart and delivers a shock only if necessary.

This comes as the Daily Echo continues its campaign to get defibrillators in schools across Hampshire after a 16-year-old pupil at a Romsey school was saved with a defibrillator when he suffered a heart attack.

Mountbatten School teachers shocked Sam Mangoro with the device four times, keeping his heart beating until the paramedics arrived.

Councillor Seán Woodward, executive leader of Fareham Borough Council, has said: “The health and safety of the council’s employees and visitors is of utmost priority.

“Every minute counts in an emergency and the defibrillators help maintain a heartbeat whilst the paramedics are en route.”

Debbie Adwent, St John Ambulance regional training manager, said: “It’s wonderful to hear Fareham Borough Council has made this potentially lifesaving decision and is putting first aid at the heart of the organisation.”