A defibrillator has been installed close to a location where a man out running sustained a fatal cardiac arrest last month.
The Lingholm Estate, near Keswick, has installed the device – which applies an electric charge to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat – outside of its cafe.
It comes after a runner suffered a cardiac arrest just outside the estate at Lingholm Woods on April 22.
Keswick Mountain Rescue Team, police and ambulance services all attended the incident but could not save the man.
A spokesperson for the Lingholm Estate said it is hoped the defibrillator will help avoid a tragedy again in an area which is relatively remote.
“The incident was incredibly shocking and emotional for everyone on the estate,” said estate director Jenny Seymour. “It was a stark reminder of how fragile life can be and underscored the importance of being prepared for emergencies.
“This experience motivated us to take proactive steps to ensure that both we and the public are better equipped should anything like this happen in the future. Our sincerest condolences go out to the gentleman’s family and friends.”
Ms Seymour said the estate had been considering installing a defibrillator at the cafe before the incident, but following the tragedy it was decided to place it outside the gates by the public footpath so that it can be accessed around the clock.
“We purchased the defibrillator from the British Heart Foundation, and since we already had power in that area, we were able to install it ourselves easily,” she added. “The defibrillator has been registered with The Circuit, the national defibrillator network. This network provides NHS ambulance services with vital information about the location of defibrillators across the UK, ensuring they can be accessed quickly in those crucial moments after a cardiac arrest to help save lives.
“We hope that the installation not only provides a crucial lifesaving tool but also raises awareness about the importance of using one in an emergency. Anyone can use a defibrillator; no training is required. Once you turn it on, it gives clear, step-by-step voice instructions. Defibrillation within 3–5 minutes of collapse can increase survival rates by as much as 50-70 per cent (resus.org.uk) so it really is vital to use it if there is one close by.”
She also praised the response of the emergency services: “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the paramedics for their efforts on that day and for the incredible work they do every day. A special thank you must go out to the team at Keswick Mountain Rescue Team. They’re an amazing group of volunteers who drop everything to help. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to helping save lives and keeping our community safe.”
The estate has urged anyone who wishes to donate to KMRT to visit www.keswickmrt.org.uk/donate/.
