HOUSEBUILDER CALA Homes has installed a mobile defibrillator at its development at Cotswold Gate in Moreton in Marsh.

The life saving device is one of 70 located at the company's headquarters and sites across the UK which will give staff and contractors access to automated external defibrillators in the event of a medical emergency.

A defibrillator delivers a therapeutic dose of electrical energy to the body to restore a regular heartbeat in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest. A survey by the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has indicated that the device can increase the chance of survival from a sudden cardiac arrest by 75 per cent.

Stuart Hosegood, CALA’s group health and safety director said: “Health and safety is of paramount importance at CALA and the installation of defibrillators on all active sites is yet another step towards ensuring the health and wellbeing of our employees and contractors.

“Having access to lifesaving equipment in the workplace is extremely important. To give a person who has suffered a sudden cardiac arrest the best chance of survival, the defibrillator must be administered within three to five minutes following collapse, making it imperative to have a defibrillator on site. CALA is one of a very small number of housebuilders to have this sort of life saving equipment on all sites and is testament to the strong safety culture across the business.”