Heart training for terminal staff

More than 20 staff underwent the training

Staff at the Isle of Man's sea terminal have been given training in life-saving heart equipment.

More than 20 Ministry of Tranpsort staff at Douglas have been trained in using a defibrillator donated by the Manx Heart Support Group.

The equipment is automated and gives voice and text prompts to the operator when in use.

Use of the defibrillator on people suffering heart attacks can greatly increase their chance of survival.

Win Kewley, resuscitation officer at Noble's Hospital, said: "In a cardiac arrest if the heart is in a rhythm that requires defibrillation, with every minute that passes survival is reduced by 10%.

"This means that early life support and defibrillation is vital in helping to improve survival rates."

The training consisted of a three-hour session and the staff will have a reassessment of their skills in six months.