THE defibrillator casing outside Cox’s Butchers, on Crediton High Street, was damaged during the weekend of Saturday, December 5 into Sunday, December 6.

This has put the defibrillator out of action. According to the Ambulance Service more than 3,600 people are resuscitated by ambulance staff every year in the South West because they suffer a pre-hospital cardiac arrest.

For every minute that passes once in cardiac arrest, a person loses a further 10 per cent chance of survival, and with this, dramatic loss in chance of survival.

Paul Fallon of Crediton Rotary Boniface told the Courier: “We raised the funds for the defibrillator two to three years ago and donated it to the town.

“I have the defibrillator for safe keeping until we can raise £1,000 to replace the damaged casing.

“We have reported it to the police and informed the South West Ambulance Service that the defibrillator is out of operation.

“The lever has been pulled a number of times in recent weeks, setting off the alarm, but we have been able to reset it.

“Funding is now needed to replace the damaged casing, but it is difficult to fundraise with the pandemic and restrictions in place and we will need to rely on donations.”

An electrician will be needed to connect the new casing. If there is an electrician who would like to donate their time and expertise, they should get in touch with Eszter Pallos on 07720 086439. 

If more than £1,000 is raised, the excess funds will go towards replacement pads and batteries for other defibrillators in the town.

Anyone with information about the damage to the defibrillator is asked to contact police via: [email protected] or by calling 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or by reporting online at: www.crimestoppers-uk.org .