THE Welsh Ambulance Service has joined forces with staff at the Big Pit to install a life-saving defibrillator.
Welsh Ambulance Service National Public Access Defibrillator scheme (PADs) manager, Gerard Rothwell, donned the famous helmet and lamp to journey to the deep to launch PADs, a scheme that allows staff at the museum to use a defibrillator to help save lives.
Big Pit is an award-winning national museum that still retains many traits of its former role as a coal mine.
The tour includes a trip 90 metres down the shaft to explore working conditions underground and this is where the Welsh Ambulance Service lifesaving scheme will be sited.
Each of the Big Pit staff volunteers undertook four hours training to allow them to use the life saving machine and also administer basic life support skills.
The Trust has trained over 4000 volunteers across Wales to man PADs sites across the country, stationed in places such as railway stations, leisure centres and even on top of Snowdon.
Mr Rothwell explained: "Last year we stood on the top of Snowdon launching a PADs site, now we have stood deep underground in Wales to launch this one.
"The intent is the same, these sites save lives and we are very proud to have worked with staff here to make this one happen.
"We are always looking to put these sites in places that see big footfalls, however high up or deep underground!"
Senior Deputy at Big Pit, Paul Green, added: "We have nearly 160,000 visitors to Big Pit every year and having the defib underground gives the staff and visitors added peace of mind when visiting.
"This is the first time that a defibrillator has been housed underground in a coalmine in the UK, and we are proud to have worked with the Wales Ambulance Service to provide this safeguard for the public."
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