Well done to everyone who supported the defibrillator campaign led by Craigie Community Council. The defibrillator is now installed and registered with the Scottish Ambulance Service.
The money was raised through various fund raising events, contributions and donations from the community and a donation from the South Scotland Centenary.
A defibrillator is a device that gives a high energy shock to the heart through the chest wall to someone who is in cardiac arrest.
A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time and following the four steps in the chain of survival can help increase the patient’s chances of survival.
- Call 999
- Commence CPR
- Early defibrillation
- Early advanced life support
Defibrillators are easy to use and come with either verbal or visual step by step instructions. The machines are designed to be used by anyone with or without prior training.
Anyone needing a defibrillator should call 999 in the first instance and the call handler will advise where the nearest one is and how to access it. If effective CPR and a defibrillator can be applied within the first 3-5 minutes of collapse, the chances of survival for the victim can increase from 6% to 74%. Without immediate treatment 90%-95% of patients will die.
A huge well done to everyone involved, an amazing effort to protect your community.