PUPILS and staff have been given a greater chance of surviving a heart attack after three defibrillators were installed at a York school.

All Saints RC School, in Mill Mount, has received more than £1,000 in donations from their new caterers and Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA) to buy the lifesaving equipment.

Statistics show the chances of surviving a heart attack are 70 per cent if a defibrillator is used within three minutes of the person collapsing.

Simon Baxter, the school's business manager, says this was key to the school focusing on getting the equipment after a defibrillator was used to save the life of a teenager at Fulford School.

Alex Cowes (pictured below) was 15 when he fell ill during a games lesson, but quick-thinking teachers used the device to shock his heart back into a regular rhythm.York Press:

 

According to Yorkshire Ambulance Service, the chances of him surviving were just eight per cent, but he has since returned to school and completed his GCSEs and is now working on his A-Levels.

Mr Baxter said: "I realised the school wasn't covered in September and set about raising money.

"I sat down with our new catering contractor, Chartwells, and they gave us £1,000, which was enough to sponsor one and a half defibrillators.

"The PTFA also raised £350.

"I feel passionately towards this and think our supporters in this should be greatly thanked - they literally could have saved a life through their support.

"We are striving to ensure that not only is the school covered but also the community and closely situated businesses.

"Should any of our students or staff have any heart issues they can be grabbed and used."