Gift could save lives at airport

A potentially life- saving public defibrillator will be available at Perth Airport.

It was given to Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) by suppliers Cardiac Science and is now available for use in emergencies to everyone at the airfield near Scone.

It will be kept at the airport’s control tower.

SCAA lead paramedic John Pritchard, who lives in Crieff, said: “When we are out on a call or outwith operating hours the defibrillator could potentially prove a life-saver.

“It all comes down to early intervention in the chain of survival and anyone can follow the simple instructions and help save a life if the need arises.

“Statistics show that the benefits of early good-quality CPR and the use of a defibrillator can greatly increase someone’s chances of surviving a heart attack.”

The defibrillator donation was prompted by local company A&E Training.

Owner Alan Moffat, from Comrie, said: “There are now 115 publicly accessible defibrillators in key locations around Perth and Kinross.

“They are already proving their worth and it seems sensible to have a publicly accessible one at such a busy complex as Perth Airport.”

Alan has been involved in training more than 11,000 schoolchildren in CPR skills and the use of a defibrillator.

The airport is home to nearly 100 aircraft and the country’s largest aero club, with more than 300 active members.

Dozens of businesses are also based there.

Graeme Frater, managing director of airport operator ACS Aviation, said: “Last weekend we had around 100 visitors on site so it is good to know that we have this resource in future should the worst happen.”