Last updated 14:47, Tuesday, 05 August 2008

A VITAL piece of equipment that will help save lives has been showcased by mountain rescuers in Coniston.

The machine, purchased with the help of a donation by HF Holidays, will be used to help walkers and holiday makers who suffer a heart attack while out on the area’s fells.

HF Holidays, which organises walking breaks in the region, provided £1,500 from their Pathways Fund to help towards its purchase.

Coniston Mountain Rescue Team members also talked to guests at the unveiling about their vehicle and other specialist equipment used in emergency situations throughout the year.

Search and rescue dog handler, Christine Judge, was also on hand to talk about her role in the team.

Bob Henson, Coniston Mountain Rescue Team spokesman, said the defibrillator was an extremely valuable tool that would undoubtedly save lives.

He added: “This is a very important piece of equipment for the team which will not only save lives but also help to diagnose whether or not someone has actually suffered a heart attack.

“It also means our older defibrillator, which is not programmable to the current shock and pause protocol, can be used for training purposes.”

HF Holiday’s Pathways Fund is supported by donations from customers.

It has raised more than £170,000 in the last ten years to help the work of mountain rescue teams and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers in their bid to improve footpaths and signage in beauty spots across the country.