EVERY second counts when someone collapses and stops breathing.

If this emergency happens at The Brindley, Halton's £7m arts centre in Runcorn, a life-saving defibrillator is now constantly on standby.

Paramedic Steve Evans, said: "If one of these machines arrives alongside a patient within one minute, they have a 90 per cent chance of survival.

"This diminishes by 10 per cent with every minute that passes."

Runcorn Rotary Club raised £1,500 as part of their Lifesavers' centenary project to place automatic defibrillators in public places.

Their donation was matched by the British Heart Foundation. Plans for traders to operate a second machine in the town centre are under way.

Two more are set to be placed at Halton Lea. Halton Stadium already has two. It is hoped Green Oaks will soon be equipped.

"10 years ago, they were only available in hospitals," said Rotarian Steve. "Then they were put into ambulances.

"Nine out of 10 people who drop to the floor and stop breathing as a result of pains in the chest go into fibrulation. The only treatment is the machine."

The so-called 'shock box' is easy to use, he said, but professional training is vital because the equipment is so powerful.

"This machine delivers enough electricity to light Halton Stadium for half a second," explained Steve. "The physical use is simple but the safety side is more complicated."

How to recognise a heart attack and mouth to mouth resuscitation were included in an intensive four hour training course for Brindley staff.

"Training the Brindley staff was a joy," said Steve. "They hope that everyone who works in the building will eventually be qualified."