Fife village now has the power to save lives.

Memory of pensioner who suffered cardiac arrest honoured

A defibrillator installed in memory of a Fife pensioner has now given her neighbours the power to save lives.

Residents of Long Row, on the outskirts of Dunfermline, came together to fund the installation of the lifesaving equipment following the death of Betty McLean, after she suffered a cardiac arrest.

Concern had been growing that if a defibrillator wasn’t provided, they could soon be facing further tragedy, because of the village’s proximity to a major rail route.

On two other recent occasions paramedics had faced delays at a level crossing while answering emergency call-outs.

But despite having clubbed together, residents still needed the new defibrillator to be housed in a secure box, with a constant supply of electricity and kept at a certain temperature.

Now Scottish Power Energy Networks has stepped in and routed a supply from an overhead line, allowing the equipment to be powered free of charge.

Resident Jim Spalding said: “There shouldn’t be a cost to saving lives.

“Scottish Power Energy Networks has recognised that and I hope they go on to help other smaller towns and villages that are more difficult for emergency services to access.

“We have experienced too many incidents here of emergency services being unable to reach us because they were delayed by the nearby level crossing and it has unfortunately been costly in the past.

“Now, if it ever happens again, we can respond much quicker to such incidents and save a life.”

Dunfermline and West Fife SNP MP Douglas Chapman praised those who made it a reality.

He said: “This equipment is vital for rural communities as due to their location it can take several extra minutes for emergency services to arrive.

“Having defibrillators means anyone who suffers from a cardiac episode can be responded to quickly, which could be the difference between life and death as every second matters.

“After such a tragic event the residents have pulled together to make sure it never happens again and sufferers can have the best chance of survival.”

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After such a tragic event the residents have pulled together to make sure it never happens again and sufferers can have the best chance of survival. MP DOUGLAS CHAPMAN

From left: Alan Jack of SP Energy Networks, MP Douglas Chapman, and Long Row residents Jim Spalding and Dave McLean.