A COLCHESTER branch of Specsavers has installed a community defibrillator to provide immediate support to anyone suffering cardiac arrest.

The heart condition has seen an exponential amount of coverage recently, with the collapse of Denmark international footballer Christian Eriksen at Euro 2020 raising awareness about the condition.

Kiran Lal, ophthalmic director at the Colchester store in Long Wyre Street, hopes the defibrillator can provide vital, life-saving support if needed.

“The recent events in the Euros have really shone a light on the seriousness of heart conditions and have displayed the need for a quick response should someone go into cardiac arrest,” Miss Lal said.

“Fortunately, Christian Eriksen was supported by a medical team who were on the scene immediately, but for many people, they’re not as lucky.”

Staff at the Colchester Specsavers have received full training to use the defibrillator, should assistance be needed.

“The defibrillator is one of those things that, hopefully, we never have to use, but more than anything it gives us the ability to respond very quickly if it does,” Miss Lal said.

“We really want to raise awareness around the defibrillator, letting people know that we have a piece of equipment that really could save lives.”