TRAIN stations across the Maldon district have been installed with life-saving equipment thanks to new funding.

Althorne, Burnham, and North Fambridge will now have automated external defibrillators thanks to Greater Anglia.

The defibrillators are small, safe and lightweight and deliver a shock to treat someone in cardiac arrest.

They can also monitor the heart’s activity and give instructions to the users.

Greater Anglia spokesman Alan Neville said: “The defibrillators mean that we are well prepared to provide assistance in the event of a first aid emergency.

“We’re very grateful to the Community Rail Partnership and Community Rail Network for funding these defibrillators which could mean the difference between life and death for someone.”

The Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership helps to keep Essex’s rural rail lines is funded by Greater Anglia, Essex County Council and local partners.

The Community Rail Network is a national organisation which supports community-based groups.

Community rail officer Jayne Sumner said: “Statistics show that 20 per cent of cardiac arrests occur in a public place.

“There is compelling evidence that defibrillation at the earliest possible point after a person collapses can significantly increase their chances of survival, so it’s vital that this life saving equipment is available in public places, particularly somewhere very busy like rail stations.”

There are 22 fully-funded defibrillators across Greater Anglia’s network of stations in Essex.

If there is an incident on the station, the public can call 999 to be given a code to open the defibrillator’s storage box and follow the instructions given.