MSP call over life-saving defibrillators in schools
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NORTH MSP Rhoda Grant is asking Highland Council to confirm whether it has hit its target to fit defibrillators in all its secondary schools in an effort to save more lives.
The Highlands and Islands Labour MSP is continuing her campaign to encourage people to undertake emergency life-saving (ELS) training and to have defibrillators displayed in communities.
“There does not appear to be a nationwide consensus on installing defibrillators in all schools and it would still be for a council or individual school to decide,” Mrs Grant said.
“Some local authorities in Scotland have already committed to fit defibrillators in their secondary schools and I know Highland Council had set itself a target to have the equipment available at every secondary school by the summer of 2018.
“I’ve read that in a recent survey three-quarters of people said they wouldn’t be confident to act if they saw someone having a cardiac arrest. More training and greater awareness can change that and save more lives.
Mrs Grant added: “I understand pupils are eager to take up the ELS training and I would like to further encourage this by having defibrillators on site at all schools in our region.”
In 2015, following a meeting with Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland and Lucky2BHere, Mrs Grant contacted all local authorities in the Highlands and Islands asking if ELS training was being delivered in their schools or if it was something they would be willing to introduce in the future.
“I was heartened by the responses I received at that time from our local authorities, with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar leading the way in the Highlands and Islands by putting ELS on the curriculum,” Mrs Grant said.
“When it was announced in April this year that each of Scotland’s 32 local authorities had pledged to ensure that every secondary pupil will now leave school having been trained in life-saving CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) I was absolutely delighted as this will undoubtedly save lives.”
The MSP followed up her awareness drive later this year when she tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating Masonic Properties on its community defibrillator project.
The company, in collaboration with the British Heart Foundation, fundraised to buy an automatic external defibrillator for use by the community. The defibrillator is displayed on the car park wall of the Masonic Club in Gordon Terrace, Inverness.
As part of the agreement with the British Heart Foundation, the company has provided local residents and businesses with training on the necessity of quick application of the defibrillator and the administration of CPR.
Mrs Grant said at the time “This is a great demonstration of community spirit and the company are to be thanked for initiating it. I was eager to attend the training myself and keen to help with getting the word out to nearby householders and businesses.”
Further courses have been arranged in May next year but more courses can be set up before then if there is demand. Anyone interested should contact Paul Wilson on 07818 023660.
