VITAL lifesaving equipment has been donated to a primary school in case of an emergency.

EPC-UK, based at Bramble Island in Great Oakley, has paid for a defibrillator, which will be mounted on a wall wall-mounted at Harwich Community Primary School.

When used, the machine gives a high-energy electric shock to the heart through the chest wall to someone who is in cardiac arrest.

Deborah Byles, deputy headteacher, said: “We were thrilled to receive the phone call saying we were going to get a new defibrillator from EPC. The general manager came along to present it to our assembly.

“It’s a great opportunity for the children to understand the use of a defibrillator, both in and outside the school.

“EPC are working alongside Hand on Heart charity who are going to provide training for adults and children at the school.”

The Hand on Heart charity aims to raise awareness of cardiac arrest in the young, educate and fund defibrillators in schools in a bid to save children’s lives.

Since January 2011 the charity has placed 900 defibrillators in schools and communities across the UK as well as training more than 6,000 staff and 21,000 children to use them.

Managing Director of EPC Darrell Howard said: “Defibrillators save lives and at EPC Groupe we are passionate about how we can help to make sure they are ready and available to local residents.” To date EPC has presented units to fifteen schools and we will be presenting a further three over the next few months.”