TRAINING on how to use a defibrillator in an emergency situation is being held at a patient information evening in Bidford.

Patient Information Evenings are held at Bidford Health Centre, in Stratford Road, and at the next event in October 10 there will be a resuscitation presentation.

This includes a demonstration on defibrillators, where they are in the Bidford area, and how to access them and use them in an emergency.

The British Heart Foundation has estimated that thousands of more lives could be saved from cardiac arrests if the locations of all defibrillators were known to emergency call handlers.

A defibrillator is a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart through the chest wall to someone who is in cardiac arrest.

The event has been organised by the Patient Participation Group (PPG) which aims to help doctors and surgery staff to provide, and patients to obtain, the best possible healthcare through discussions at regular meetings with surgery staff deliberating on local and national health issues.

Dr Deborah Edwards, senior partner at Bidford Health Centre, said: "We want to encourage as many people to attend as possible.

"This is a fabulous example of patient empowerment - our PPG and Friends of Bidford Health Centre (FoBHC) are raising awareness of medical problems, organising education events and funding extra equipment for the whole community."

Anyone can attend the event including people who aren't patients at Bidford Health Centre.

It is preferred that people book before attending by ringing the surgery on 01789 773372 after 10am, although people can just turn up on the night.

Anyone interested in attending is asked to arrive at 6.45pm, for a 7pm start.