The School of Arts, swimming pool, Tenterfield Bowling Club and Tenterfield Golf Club are each considering investing in defibrillators that will be housed at their facilities.

The Shire Council has already voted in favour of the idea and will foot the cost to have the machines installed at the swimming pool and School of Arts and if the scheme is adopted, the bowling club and the golf club would each finance the installation of their own machines.

Council General Manger Don Ramsland said the decision was worthwhile for the town.

"If someone has a cardiac arrest, the first three to five minutes are crucial. To have them at the places people gather could mean the difference between life and death for someone," Mr Ramsland said.

"The machines are very cost-effective, and there's nothing like them there now. The first three to five minutes before the ambulance gets there could make all the difference. They are well worthwhile having."

Dr Ian Unsworth has been instrumental in generating support for the idea with the various organisations.

"It's very modern, very up to date and very advantageous for the community; it's a much-needed service for Tenterfield," Dr Unsworth said.

"The area is home to an ageing population and the likelihood of cardiac arrest in an ageing population is very high. It is always a good policy to ensure we have the means to fight a cardiac arrest if it occurs.

"The ambulances in Tenterfield have a very advanced defibrillator machines in each of their vehicles, and likewise the fire service have similar machines, but these are not always available," said Dr Unsworth.

"The ambulance might be out of town, and the fire service could be two hours away. A patient might need the use of a defibrillator within five minutes of a cardiac arrest to stop the risk of brain damage.