The government has secured a deal that will see thousands of pupils benefit from life-saving defibrillators in their schools.

Presently, the agreement involves 500 machines, which were snapped up by the Department for Education (DfE) at a substantially discounted rate.

Schools will be able to pick up the defibrillators, which are used when someone experiences a cardiac arrest, at a reduced price.

The deal was achieved through a "reverse auction process" that was delivered by NHS Supply Chain.

This system involves organisations "bidding" for the lowest price for which they can supply the life-saving machines.

The DfE said that based on the success of this process, it will look to purchase further defibrillators. Numbers will be based on school demand.

One of the great things about these machines is the fact that they do not require any form of training.

It works by delivering an electric shock to the heart, which is made possible through sticky pads that are placed directly on someone's chest.

The shock experienced by the body "interrupts" the irregular heart rhythm that usually develops when someone suffers a cardiac arrest. It "corrects" the normal rhythm.

"Today’s deal will benefit thousands of pupils and teachers by helping to put hundreds of life-saving defibrillators in classrooms across the country," commented schools minister David Laws.

"Just as we have made schools better places for pupils to learn, it is equally important we ensure children and school staff are cared for in the rare event that they suffer a cardiac arrest."

The MP concluded by saying that he encourages all schools to "seize upon this excellent deal the government has struck on their behalf".

Simon Gillespie, chief executive of the British Heart Foundation, which backs the government effort, explained that the foundation is offering free CPR training kits to all secondary schools as well.

He said that more than 30,000 cardiac arrests happen out of hospital every year in the UK, with only one in ten people surviving.

"Immediate CPR and early defibrillation are crucial steps in saving someone’s life," the expert continued.

"By teaching more young people CPR as well as making defibrillators more accessible to schools, we are helping to give every person the absolute best chance of survival."

Sue Killen, chief executive of St John Ambulance, added that she was glad the organisation has worked closely with the Department for Education in coming up with a new guide that outlines how to purchase, install and maintain defibrillators.

"Defibrillation, together with dialling 999 and performing CPR, can save the life of someone suffering a cardiac arrest," the government stated.

"Training is not necessary to use the machines, as the user is given exact instructions on what to do from the moment the device is switched on."

The British Heart Foundation asks schools to joint its Nation of Lifesavers campaign by learning CPR.

It delivers introductions that only take 30 minutes, yet this provides youngsters and adults alike with valuable information that can save lives.

The Call Push Rescue Training kit is comprised of an inflatable manikin, practice while watching DVD, kneel mats, manikin wipes and extra manikin replacement p