Three defibrillators installed in Castletown
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LIVES could be saved in Castletown after three defibrillators were installed in the village at a cost of over £7000.
The devices, which give a high-energy electric shock to the heart of someone in cardiac arrest, were fitted at the main entrance to the sheltered houses at Olrig Place, at the front door of the Free Church and at the car park at the primary school.
Billy Dunbar, chairman of Castletown and District Community Council, is one of those behind the initiative. He said all three defibrillators are "up and running".
The last of the devices was fitted at the school car park on Monday.
"I am delighted the money was raised for the defibrillators and they are all now installed," he said. "They could help save the lives of people passing through the village or people living here.
"It cost £7225 to purchase the equipment.The money was raised from private donations, the local bowling and football clubs as well as by different charities. They were installed free of charge by Graeme Anderson Electrical."
I am delighted the money was raised for the defibrillators and they are all now installed.
Mr Dunbar pointed out the village is so long it needs several defibrillators. Each one will cover an area of about 500 metres.
The initiative has the backing of the community council.
A fourth is being fitted by the village butcher in his Main Street premises as part of a national scheme to fit 250 in butcher shops throughout Scotland.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant is continuing her campaign to encourage people to undertake emergency life-saving training and to have defibrillators displayed in communities.
"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," she said. "More training and greater awareness can change that and save more lives."
