A PRIMARY School has received potentially life-saving equipment.

St Mary’s Primary School, in Yew Tree Road, Slough, is now equipped with a defibrillator after a donation by Lanes Utilities, the drainage and asset maintenance specialist, as part of their work with charity Hand on Heart.

The defibrillator will also provide reassurance to the neighbouring Sure Start Children’s Centre.

St Mary’s head teacher Rachel Cross said: “Around 3,000 children and adults visit the school and children’s centre every day. “Having the defibrillator on site gives all those people greatly enhanced protection from sudden cardiac arrest.”

Teacher Zoe Brotherston was particularly thankful for the donation following the tragic death of her 18-year-old cousin, James, from a sudden heart attack last year.

Zoe said: “It was a devastating time for my family. My experience has made all the staff at the school very keen to have a defibrillator on the premises.”

Just one day before the defibrillator was installed on December 16 last year, a member of staff suffered an angina attack while she was working and had to be rushed to hospital.

Headteacher Rachel Cross said: “The incident brought home just how important it is to take all steps we can to be ready to save a life.”

Five members of staff will be trained how to use the device, and 30 pupils will receive basic life support and awareness training. The device could also be used to help someone living near the school.