A suspected cardiac arrest at the donkey derby inspired a first aid company to install a public defibrillator.

As young jockeys from across the district raced up and down Theydon Bois green on July 9, one woman began to feel seriously unwell.

On hand to provide emergency assistance was SMK First Aid Training, whose workers scrambled to provide help.

Unable to access one of the village's four defibrillators locked away on private premises however, the Buckhurst Hill based company had to wait several minutes for a rapid response vehicle to arrive.

Ben Stern, joint owner of SMK,, said: "If a defibrillator is used and CPR is administrated within three minutes of a cardiac arrest, the chance of survival is 74 per cent.

"If it takes 11 minutes, that falls to six per cent."

Luckily for the ill woman, the lack of defibrillator was not fatal as she was in-fact suffering from an asthma attack.

Nonetheless, Mr Stern sprang into action.

The 34 year-old added: "That day was what set me off on it.

"We set up a Go Fund Me page, sent out a few Facebook messages and quickly we were overwhelmed by the level of support from the villagers.

"We raised over £1,200 and bought a defibrillator."

On Saturday (August 11) the machine was installed on the wall outside Quality & Excellence Family Butchers, which is also supplying the electricity free of charge.

Although the defibrillator is automated and talks users through the process, SMK has plans to ensure the village's hearts are as safe as possible.

Mr Stern, who moved to Theydon Bois three years ago, said: "We wanted the butchers as it is very and one of the busiest shops in Theydon.

"SMK has also committed to providing free CPR and defibrillator training to anyone in the village who wants it."

To inquire about the training sessions, call 07940088537 or email enquiries@smkfirstaidtraining.co.uk