A generous donation handed over to the Murrurundi Ambulance Auxiliary on Tuesday will allow people to do just that – and it may just help save a life.

The Lions Club of Murrurundi made a donation of $1,000 which will go towards the purchase of a semi-automatic defibrillator for public use.

The small machine is simple to operate and offers vocal prompts to allow even non-medical personnel to save the life of an individual suffering from sudden cardiac arrest.

If someone were to collapse, the machine can check the person’s heart rhythm and determine whether an electric shock is needed to attempt to restore it to normal rhythm.

Murrurundi Station Officer, Julie Cornall said the unit will be hung up on the wall of the local supermarket – Dooley's Store on Mayne Street.

“That way it is in a central location in town and the community can rest assured knowing that if something were to happen they can assist a patient until the paramedics arrive,” Ms Cornall said.

“The machine has the ability to assess whether a shock is needed and will only administer one if it’s necessary.”

At a price tag of $2,400 the unit doesn’t come cheap – but Ms Cornall said it’s a small price to pay to save a life.

“It has a battery life of five to seven years so will remain in the supermarket and if it’s used once and it saves a life it has paid for itself,” she said.

President of the Lions Club of Murrurundi, Dinah Norton said the machine is a wonderful thing for the community.

“We are hoping this machine will be the first of two for the community,” she said.

“The location of a second machine is yet to be decided.”

The Lions Club of Murrurundi is busy preparing for their next event, the Lion’s Ham Wheel, Barbeque and Christmas Carols at Murrurundi Public School on Saturday December 9 from 6:30pm.