The GHA Ambulance Service reported this week to the Royal Gibraltar Police that the battery of a defibrillator at the southern end of Eastern Beach had been stolen.

Station Officer and Emergency Medical Technician Charlie Noguera stated that during his inspection of the Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) yesterday morning at the beach, he found that the unit would not power on when removed from its casing, and upon further inspection discovered that the battery was missing. The battery was subsequently replaced.

All PADs around Gibraltar are checked monthly to verify expiry dates and batteries, as well as the overall condition of the equipment.

Mr Noguera said: “The main concern is that while the defibrillator remains in its casing and appears ready for use, anyone needing it in an emergency would be unaware that it is not operational, which could lead to a critical delay and cost lives. Should any member of the public notice anything wrong with the PADs, we would be most grateful if this can be reported to the GHA by calling 200 72266, extension 2399.”

GHA Director General, Kevin McGee, said: “This is a senseless act of vandalism which is doubly damaging as human lives can be put at risk. We believe it is the first time that we have encountered such a dreadful action and we hope it is the last.”