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A defibrillator on Blackwood High Street has been vandalised for the fourth time, according to Blackwood Town Council.

Fortunately, the defibrillator itself, which costs around £1,300, was saved – but the plastic casing protecting it was destroyed.

Defibrillators can be used to help people who are suffering a cardiac arrest.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Blackwood Town Council clerk, John Hold, said: “We’re not exactly sure when or how it happened but we’re aware of some of the antisocial behaviour in the town.

“I think this is the fourth time that the casing has been broken so we have now ordered a stronger unit to house the machine. Until then it is out of service.”

The town council has been working alongside charity Jack’s Appeal to raise money for both defibrillators and the casing that protects them.

Blackwood’s Independent councillor, Nigel Dix, added: “This is not the first time this has happened, whoever did this clearly has no concern for their actions or the community.

“They’re destroying lifesaving equipment and something needs to be done.”

Currently in Wales, just 5% of people who have a cardiac arrest outside of hospital survive.

Survival rates fall by 10% every minute without CPR or a defibrillator. By using a defibrillator within three minutes of a cardiac arrest, a person’s chance of survival can be increased by as much as 70%.

Where are the nearest defibrillators to me?

How to use a defibrillator

• Step 1: Turn the defibrillator on by pressing the green button and follow its instructions.
• Step 2: Peel off the sticky pads and attach them to the patient’s skin, one on each side of the chest, as shown in the picture on the defibrillator.
• Step 3: Once the pads have been attached, stop CPR and don’t touch the patient. The defibrillator will then analyse the patient’s heart rhythm.
• Step 4: The defibrillator will assess whether a shock is needed and if so, it will tell you to press the shock button. An automatic defibrillator will shock the patient without prompt. Do not touch the patient while they are being shocked.
• Step 5: The defibrillator will tell you when the shock has been delivered and whether you need to continue CPR.
• Step 6: Continue with chest compressions and rescue breaths until the patient shows signs of life or the defibrillator tells you to stop so it can analyse the heartbeat again.

Source: British Heart Foundation