A GOUROCK firm which has added a fourth lifesaving defibrillator to its Inverclyde base has been hailed by the area's MP.

The new external defibrillator is situated outside James Walker Devol meaning it is for general use.

SNP politician Ronnie Cowan today praised the company after viewing the equipment during a visit to its site. 

Greenock Telegraph: Inverclyde's MP Ronnie Cowan has praised local firm James Walker Devol after it added a fourth

The new device is linked to a network of defibrillators called "the Circuit", which provides the NHS ambulance services with vital information about defibrillators across the UK so that in those crucial moments after a cardiac arrest, they can be accessed quickly to help save lives. 

A 999 call operator will be able to access the information, and provide the caller with the unique unlocking code to gain access to the defibrillator. 

The Circuit is co-funded by organisations including the NHS, British Heart Foundation, St John Ambulances and in partnership with the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives.

Mr Cowan said: "James Walker Devol has already shown its commitment to workplace welfare with the defibrillators that are inside the premises.

"These units are vital to saving lives.

"The first minutes after a cardiac arrest are absolutely crucial.

"Now they have gone further with the addition of the new external defibrillator which is linked to the Circuit.

"This is an important addition here in Gourock because it could aid any emergency locally.

"The new defibrillator was actually suggested by one of the company's first aid-trained staff and management have shown great foresight by acting on this.

"I hope that we can encourage other businesses in the constituency to add a defibrillator to their workplace, and have it registered on the Circuit.

"There is no doubt that defibrillators save lives and the more access we have to them the better."