Firm’s donation could save lives at high school
A vital defibrillator has been installed at a high school whose pupils and staff are focusing on first aid.
The lifesaving equipment has been put in place at Duncanrig Secondary in East Kilbride thanks to the generous support of local firm Highlander International Recycling.
Senior pupils are also now achieving first aid qualifications, with plans in place to extend the training across the school.
Duncanrig pupils and staff have been working to secure a defibrillator for the busy building since the last school year, led by the previous sixth-year school captains who spent time researching the options for both machinery and charities which could support with the purchase.
With their successors having carried on that work during this term as part of their work to promote first aid across the school, the heart-start equipment is now in place thanks to the generous funding support of Highlander, Scotland’s largest independent paper recycling firm and one of Duncanrig’s business partners.
The defibrillator is available in the school office and can be used in case of emergency at the busy school building, which is also used by the local community.
Duncanrig head teacher Annette Alexander said: “This a is a vital resource in a building with more than 2000 young people and staff.
“Highlander International Recycling stepped in to offer full funding for the purchase of a defibrillator, and we’re hugely grateful to them for their extremely generous support in enabling us to install this equipment.
“One of our core school values is community and we’re proud to work together to improve the quality of life for everyone.”
Highlander chief executive Brian Bingham said: “We all hope that the defibrillator will never be used, but it’s better to be prepared for the worst; this small contribution could go a long way towards making a large contribution to the welfare of someone less fortunate.
“It gives me great pride for our company to be given the opportunity to give back to the community – well done
to all involved.”
The school’s focus on first aid also includes S6 pupils being able to gain a level six qualification in the vital skills, thanks to chemistry teacher and first aid trainer Pamela Walls.
Plans are in place to deliver the training across the school to different year groups, in partnership with South Lanarkshire Leisure.
Mrs Alexander added: “This now means we will be able to offer our young people the opportunity to achieve an accredited qualification and learn key life-saving skills.”