A DRAMATIC heart attack emergency on a Worcester golf course, in which a defibrillator was used to save a man's life, has inspired a Ledbury pre-school to obtain an defibrillator of its own.

Angela Leaver, one of the directors of Busy Bees in Ledbury, was at her golf club in Worcester recently when a man suffered a cardiac arrest, and she used a defibrillator to save the man's life.

Emma Davis, the Busy Bees manager said: "Thankfully, due to Angela's quick response and the availability of a defibrillator the gentleman suffering a cardiac arrest was saved.

"The purchase of our defibrillator was initiated by Angela. Although we hope never to have to use the defibrillator, it is reassuring to know that we are much better prepared should someone using Busy Bees, or someone in the community, be suffering a cardiac arrest. Once registered, the ambulance service will be aware that we have a defibrillator on site should someone in the locality require it."

Miss Davis added: " We're hoping that it will not just benefit those using Busy Bees but also the wider community too. Having many children and parents pass through our doors each day, plus having eight members of staff on site, is enough of a reason for us to purchase a defibrillator."

A defibrillator is used when someone is suffering a cardiac arrest. It works by analysing the heart rhythm and ascertaining whether an electric shock is necessary to restore normal heart rhythms. Four of the Busy Bees staff received training last week, although the equipment can be used by anyone as the machine talks the user through the step by step commands. calling 999 is still crucial, for every minute that passes without early CPR and defibrillation, there is a 10% drop in the chances of survival.

Miss Davis said: "The charity we are using to purchase the equipment is the Redditch-based Charlotte and Craig Saving Hearts Foundation. This was set up after their daughter, Charlotte, died suddenly In December 2010 of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome, aged 16.

Then three years later their son Craig tragically passed away from Marfan Syndrome, aged 17.

The defibrillator was delivered last week by the Charlotte and Craig Saving Hearts Foundation, and the organisation also carried out the training at Busy Bees.