CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed news that the island could be in line for not just one, but two life-saving heart start devices,

Canvey First Responders, who are supported by the East of England Ambulance Trust, are aiming to bring two publicly accessible defibrillators to the island’s town centre.

The device, which costs around £800, gives a high energy electric shock to the heart for people in cardiac arrest.

The British Heart Foundation says that every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces someone’s chance of survival by 10 per cent.

Cabinets which house the defibrillators will also be purchased by the group and bolted to walls of buildings in the town centre.

When a call is made to the ambulance service in an emergency, a password is issued for the public to access the defibrillator.

The Echo understands the responders are currently in discussions with Canvey Library and the Knightswick Centre.

Mick Allwood, coordinator for the responders, says he is delighted the devices will be made available to the public.

He said: “They really are vital pieces of kit, they are really easy to use,

“The key is making it accessible to the public and ensuring they know where to find them.

“A defibrillator is foolproof and anybody can work one, even if they save just one life, then they are worth it.”

The Echo reported last month that islanders helped to bring a defibrillator to Canvey seafront.

Canvey Carnival Association used cash raised from this year’s procession to purchase the device.

It will be placed at Leisure Island Fun Park, in Eastern Esplanade, throughout the holiday season and at weekends.

After autumn the defibrillator will then be moved to the Movie Starr Cinema.