Towns and villages across Powys are being urged to check their community defibrillators as the weather turns much colder.

Batteries in the lifesaving machines can suffer during the winter months and may not work which is why they need to be kept in heated cabinets.

But heart charity Welsh Hearts says not all defibrillators are checked regularly to ensure they are ready in an emergency.

Nick Aitken, Welsh Hearts representative, says: "This can be a bigger problem in the winter months. The cold effects the battery which is why it is essential that machines are kept in a heated cabinet and checked regularly.

"A check takes less than five minutes to do. This can be the difference between life and death if the machine is needed."

 

The devices help save lives of those having heart attacks by sending an electric shock to the heart. They are designed to help members of the public resuscitate a victim of sudden cardiac arrest.

Wales has one of the lowest survival rates in Europe and every year around 8,000 people will have an ‘out of hospital’ cardiac arrest, says the charity.

A patient’s chance of surviving an out of hospital cardiac arrest decreases by an estimated 10% with every passing minute.

At least 250 defibrillators have been put in towns and villages across Powys. To find a defibrillator near you, click here.