KEIRAN’S LEGACY SAVES DAD’S LIFE
Defibrillator restarts man’s heart in layby
A DAD’S life has been saved using a defibrillator donated by the parents of a teenager who died when his heart couldn’t be restarted in time.
The machine, paid for with money raised by Gordon and Sandra McKandie, brought a 52-year-old man back to life on the first anniversary of their son Keiran’s funeral.
The ill man was found slumped in the back of his car in a remote layby near St Fergus, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, on April 1.
Police officers performed CPR on him before they restarted his heart thanks to the device, which was installed in their vehicle.
He was transferred to hospital in Aberdeen and was later allowed home, where he is recovering.
The HeartSine defibrillator is one of 10 donated to Police Scotland by Gordon and Sandra after launching a fundraising campaign in their son’s memory.
Keiran, 16, died on a country road near Elgin in March last year after his bike and a car collided.
The nearest ambulance was 38 miles away and took almost 30 minutes to arrive at the scene. A fire crew – who were equipped with life-saving equipment – were not alerted to the tragedy unfolding just a few miles from their station.
The McKandies raised money tirelessly to buy the defibrillators, which were installed in police emergency vehicles across the north-east division from February.
It’s hoped the devices will eventually be installed across Scotland.
Sandra said: “This has allowed a family not to experience the heartbreak, sorrow and suffering we endure on a daily basis.”
The daughter of the man who was saved praised the McKandies, adding: “Thanks to them we will be able to enjoy more time together as a family.”
Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick said: “I hope they can take some comfort from knowing that their donation has played a significant part in the man’s chances of survival.”