Public-access defibrillators could soon be installed on the outside of north-east council buildings after councillors agreed a new policy.
The devices, which can make all the difference between life and death for people who suffer cardiac arrest, have been singled out as the most important development in reacting to these incidents.
Now, after a lengthy consultation process with other councillors and members of the public, the police and resources committee have backed a draft policy allowing the installation of the machines on public buildings.
Community groups who fund the defibrillators can apply to put them on buildings owned by the authority, ideally in central locations in communities.
Councillor Jill Webster said lives were at stake and raised concerns that applications would be turned down for listed buildings or in conservation areas.
However the council’s director of business services, Ritchie Johnson, said that any application would be considered on its merits and could be passed to local councillors for a final decision.
