Local Outcome 4: Network of defibrillators in place across East Dunbartonshire
Life-saving defibrillators have been installed in a range of Council-owned and operated premises – including community hubs, halls, leisure/cultural facilities, workplaces, schools and early years centres across East Dunbartonshire.
Work was carried out to fit internal and external devices following consultation with local residents, organisations and partners.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) analyse the heart rhythm of people who are experiencing cardiac arrest – where the rhythm of the heart stops or goes into "fibrillation". When appropriate, they deliver an electric shock to the heart to help restore its normal rhythm.
There are approximately 75 AEDs in buildings owned and operated by East Dunbartonshire Council.
All external Council devices are visible on the Defibfinder website – which provides up-to-date information on defibrillator locations across the UK, using data from The Circuit – a national defibrillator network compiled by the British Heart Foundation.
All defibrillators registered on The Circuit are visible to NHS ambulance services, who can direct callers to the nearest location and provide them with the necessary access code.
Ann Davie, Chief Executive of East Dunbartonshire Council, said, “Our network includes a mix of internal and external installations, aimed at delivering 24/7 access across our local communities.
Defibrillators not only help to save lives, they also provide peace of mind. It is important that, in those crucial moments after a cardiac arrest, they can be accessed quickly and safely.
The Council is providing devices, necessary equipment and ongoing maintenance.
Local groups and individuals have also recently raised funds to buy defibrillators for specific areas – including Megan Thompson, a former Castlehill Primary pupil who secured an external lifesaving defibrillator for the school.
Megan underwent heart surgery after she was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT). Upon researching heart conditions, she learned that defibrillators increase the chances of survival by 90% for those in cardiac arrest.
She said, “'Whilst you hope there is never a need for a defibrillator, in the unfortunate event it is required, it can significantly improve the chances of survival of anyone in cardiac arrest. I will always be grateful to my surgeon for changing my life and for inspiring me to fundraise and campaign for basic life support. I am so pleased we now have a defibrillator accessible 24/7 in the centre of Castlehill.”
If you suspect someone is suffering a heart attack/cardiac arrest, the NHS advises you to call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Where appropriate, ambulance services can direct you to the nearest defibrillator.
For the latest information on defibrillator locations, visit the Defibfinder website.
