First aid volunteers across Glasgow will have access to new life-saving defibrillators thanks to a recent St Andrew's First Aid programme.
33 new defibrillators were distributed to St Andrew's First Aid volunteer companies across the city. This will ensure that members of the public have trained experts on hand should they experience a cardiac arrest emergency and require an AED.
St Andrew's First Aid, Scotland's only dedicated first aid charity, purchased the 180 defibrillators at a cost of £180,000 as part of its mission to create a nation of life-savers. The charity's volunteers provide first aid cover at more than 2,000 events across the country each year.
In Barlornock, Margaret McQuade and Maggie Nelson joined local butcher Donnie Shaw to urge more people to learn how to use a defibrillator.
Donnie, of Shaw the Butcher on Wallacewell Road, has a defibrillator outside his shop dedicated to a local teenager, Marc Hegarty, who died of a heart attack.
Clutha helicopter crash inquiry: Witness relives the moment he saw helicopter light 'go out'
Donnie said: “We did a lot of fundraising for the defibrillator and the community really rallied round.
“All our staff have been trained in using it. I’ve had to use it once – but thankfully the man regained consciousness.
“It’s really important. People are delighted it’s there.”
Stuart Callison, chief executive of St Andrew’s First Aid, said: “St Andrew's First Aid are committed to making sure the people of Scotland are kept as safe as possible at any event or community that we have membership in. No-one should die because they needed first aid and didn't get it.
“This is a huge investment for the charity, but we believe it is worth every penny to ensure our volunteers are working with the best and most up-to-date equipment available, to allow them to carry out their roles effectively and efficiently.”
