Health chiefs make defib appeal

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Ambulance chiefs have appealed for anyone with a defibrillator to inform them in the wake of the death of a man from Herefordshire.

West Midlands Ambulance Trust made the call after it emerged a machine was near Alfred Parry, 81, when he suffered a heart attack.

An ambulance containing a defibrillator had to be sent from neighbouring Bromyard delaying resuscitation.

Mr Parry died despite family and neighbours trying to save him.

Mr Parry, known as Pip, lived in Lawnside Road, close to the town's ambulance station.

Swimming pool

Crews were already on an emergency call so another crew were called in from Bromyard, about 13 miles away.

It later emerged a defibrillator is kept at Ledbury Swimming Pool, barely yards from is home.

Murray McGregor, of West Midlands Ambulance Service, said the service did not know where all defibrillators were kept.

"Something which would be very helpful if that people who do have defibrillators tell us.

"Clearly the more knowledge that we have the better service we can provide."

Neighbours have criticised the time it took to get an ambulance to Mr Parry.

A spokesman said it took 17 minutes and apologised.

He said it was "very regrettable" the time it took to arrive was longer than it would have hoped for.