Defibrillator map to boost public awareness

MULL and Iona Community Trust (MICT) has taken responsibility for working with the Scottish Ambulance Service to ensure public access defibrillators already in place around the island are known to the ambulance service emergency call handlers.

Moray Finch, of MICT, said: ‘The number of public access defibrillators is increasing as we secure funding and install them at strategic locations around the island with the agreement of willing businesses and building owners. We have produced a map, which is printed above, and is also available on the MICT website and Facebook page. Please feel free to make use of this on your own websites and publications. The more people aware the better.

‘The defibrillators are checked every month by local volunteer guardians. These checks are coordinated by Cheryl Callow (north) and Jenny Jeffree (south), who then confirm to the ambulance service that each and every unit is functioning and operational.

‘No training is required to use a public access defibrillator; they are programmed to provide verbal instructions and will not provide a shock unless it detects a shockable rhythm in the patient.

‘It is vital that in an emergency, a 999 call is made to ensure that the ambulance service despatches an ambulance and, if they deem it appropriate, a community first responder – please do not forget to call 999 if you ever have to make use of one of the public access defibrillators.

‘Local training sessions can be arranged in basic life support skills and the use of a defibrillator. If you’re interested for your area please contact me and I will put you in touch with the various training providers.

‘Anyone calling 999, who might need access to a defibrillator will be advised of the location of the nearest one by the call handler.’

The list of locations which have a 24/ 7 public access defibrillator are as follows: Argyll Hotel - Iona, Iona Fire Station (in the fire engine), The Ferry Shop – Fionnphort, Outside Bunessan Fire Station, Tiroran House Hotel, The Old Post Office, Pennyghael, Ulva Primary School, Taigh Solais (Tobermory Harbour Association building), Craignure Fire Station (in the fire engine), Dervaig Post Office and Stores, Tobermory Fire Station (in the fire engine), Calmac Port office, Craignure, The Old Post Office, Lochbuie. There are current discussions about a site at Calgary, with the location still to be finalised; and plans for a defibrillator at The Salen Spar.

Mr Finch added: ‘There is a running cost for the public access defibrillators – to replace the batteries every five years and the sticky pads every three years. So if anyone would like to contribute a small donation, that would be much appreciated.

‘There are now four community first responder networks operating – on Iona, the Ross of Mull, Dervaig and Tobermory. This is thanks to residents volunteering to take on this important and valuable role. We are discussing with the Scottish Ambulance Service plans to set up a new group based at Ulva Ferry and hope that this might happen in the next few months.’

If anyone is interested in receiving defibrillator training and CPR training, is interested in becoming a volunteer community first responder, would like to make a donation or would like to know more, email Moray Finch mfinch@mict.co.uk or call 01680 812905.