The Muslim citizens of Bolton received a boost today as the Ghosia Mosque in Daubhill became one of the first mosques in the Northwest to have a defibrillator installed.

The defibrillators provide vital life-saving capabilities to nearby sufferers of heart attacks. After analysing heartbeat patterns using electrodes strapped to the torso, they shock an arrested heart back into its correct rhythm.



Also on hand was David McNally, First Responder Manager of the North West Ambulance Service to train members of the community in the operation of the machine. He said: “This is a part of the first responder scheme, which involves teaching people first aid and giving them the correct tools to save lives in the time before an ambulance arrives.

“When someone collapses due to cardiac arrest, the first few minutes are crucial. Your chances of survival decrease by 10 percent with every minute which is lost.

“It is also about engaging people to help others in their community.”

Defibrillators have already seen action in crowded places such as shopping centres and train stations, and members of the mosque are delighted to pioneer their use within religious buildings.

“It’s a feather in our cap to be one of the first mosques,” said Latif Jiva, Committee Member at Ghosia Mosque.

Inayat Omarji, Children and Young People’s Project Manager for the Bolton Council of Mosques said: “It is fantastic news that Ghosia Mosque has had this defibrillator installed. Hopefully it will not have to be used, but it is very reassuring to know it is there.

“It is part of a wider health awareness scheme from the Bolton Council of Mosques, and Ghosia is just the first of several mosques to receive equipment
and first-aid instruction from the NWAS”

Installing first aid equipment in mosques not only saves lives but also brings emergency healthcare to a broader spectrum of communities, underlining the NWAS’ dedication to extending its services to all members of society.



NWAS is looking for members of the public to become community first responders. To find out more email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.nwas-responders.info