Defibrillator in place thanks to community effort
A new life-saving device has been installed in one Stirling community following a fundraising effort.
Residents living in St Ninians welcomed the unveiling of a defibrillator at the toll shopping precinct last month.
Members of St Ninians Community Council had been working to source both the funding and centralised locations for the lifesaving equipment.
The device, which has been installed outside the“Gent’s Barbers”, was welcomed by business owner Karen Ryan who has agreed to assist with electricity supply to the device.
The device is used to increase the chances of survival in the event of a cardiac arrest.
It’s estimated that around 70 per cent of cardiac arrests take place in the home and around half are witnessed by a bystander. Quick intervention can mean the difference between life and death and knowing where your nearest public access defibrillator is located can make all the difference.
The equipment is encased in a large yellow box and, if required, people can call the number on the front of the box to gain access.
Members of the public are able to use the devices even if they have not had training by following the instructions on how to attach the defibrillator pads and the device will talk you through each step.
The defibrillator assesses the heart’s rhythm and will only ever administer a shock if it is needed.
Community council chairman, Mike McCormick said:“This is a great achievement for the community of St Ninians. I’d like to thank the members of the community council for their hard work in making the presence of this lifesaving equipment in the community a reality.”