Community defibrillator initiative goes from strength to strength

As the initiative continues to make an impact in local communities, the Council is seeking new applications from community groups and clubs across East Ayrshire who would like to host a community accessible defibrillator for the benefit of their local community.

David Doran, Health and Safety Manager explained:  “We want to work with our communities to make East Ayrshire a defibrillator Council within the next five years by providing this equipment to our communities to install in as many prominent locations as possible across the authority area. Communities are asking for assistance with this equipment as they can’t afford to purchase it themselves.

“Our contractors are often present in our communities for extended periods of time, depending on the duration of the project they are undertaking. During that time they establish relationships with communities, employing local people and using local amenities, and this initiative gives them an opportunity to give something back to that community and gain some positive local recognition at the same time.

“Working with our key partners in Scottish Fire and Rescue and our contractors and communities, we want to ensure that every community is covered by this life-saving equipment and has access to life-saving CPR and defibrillator training.”

Lesley McLean, Procurement Manager said:  “Since the launch of the initiative the response from our contractors has been outstanding with some even agreeing to donate more than one defibrillator and security cabinet.

“We are continuing to engage with as many of our contractors as possible to support the initiative and going forward, in line with the key aim of this initiative, we will also be incorporating defibrillators into all contracts for our major refurbishment and new build developments.”

Andrew Wanless​, Regional Business Manager with Prism Medical UK explains why his company got involved with this initiative:

“Prism Medical UK are proud to have donated three defibrillators and cabinets to the East Ayrshire community via the community benefit fund. Defibrillators are essential to help save lives, and as a business that works within the care sector, it was our honour to provide the local areas with access to this life-saving technology. We hope our donation will create a safer, healthier environment for the East Ayrshire community members. Prism Medical UK looks forward to continuing our partnership with East Ayrshire Council and hopes to provide more support through our community benefit fund.”

Northwest Kilmarnock Bowling Club is one of the 22 clubs who have been successful so far in their application to receive this life-saving equipment. Bob McChristie, who applied for a community access defibrillator on behalf of Northwest Kilmarnock Bowling Club said: “East Ayrshire Council is promoting and supporting the provision of defibrillators – a lifesaving initiative in East Ayrshire. Our Bowling Club made an application for a defibrillator, and we were delighted when our application was accepted. The defibrillator is in a secure heated container that is easily accessible to the local community, and I have no doubt, that although I hope it never has to be used, that it has real potential to save a life”.

Councillor Neal Ingram, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Safety, Roads and Transportation and Community Cohesion praised this initiative and commended the response it has received to date.

He said: “In a very short space of time, this ground-breaking initiative has gathered fantastic support, both from contractors and communities. Since we launched this nine months ago, we have successfully equipped 22 local groups and clubs with these life-saving devices. You really cannot put a price on a person’s life, so the support we’ve had from suppliers and contractors to help realise this ambition has been absolutely invaluable and we are extremely grateful for their generosity.

 “I would urge all local community groups and organisations to take advantage of the training and assistance that is available as part of this initiative, and to other contractors still considering this, please get in touch - we can all play our part in saving lives.”  

Applications are welcomed from community groups and clubs based in East Ayrshire who would like to benefit from this equipment. Further details on how the initiative works and how to apply can be found on the East Ayrshire Council Website including a fill list of locations of current defibrillators in East Ayrshire, how to register your defibrillator and information on how to use and maintain the equipment.

The Council will also be working in partnership with Scottish Fire Rescue Services (SFRS) to deliver free CPR training to any community group or organisation who needs it.

For more information please contact: healthandsafety@east-ayrshire.gov.uk.