Life-saving medical equipment has been installed at a Hampstead school in the event of a teacher or pupil suffering a cardiac arrest in class.

Staff members at University College School (UCS) in Frognal were trained to use defibrillators last Thursday by the London Ambulance Service.

The equipment, which deliver electric shocks to patients suffering a cardiac arrest through two pads, was funded by charity Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) UK and is now on standby around the school.

It is part of the charity’s Big Shock campaign to have defibrillators installed at all schools.

UCS vice master Chris Reynolds, said: “University College School takes the medical conditions and the safety of our pupils, staff and visitors very seriously.

“The addition of four defibrillators will ensure that we continue to provide a quick and appropriate response when lives are at risk.”