Life-saving defibrillators have been installed in a range of Council-owned and operated premises – including community hubs, halls, facilities, workplaces, and schools and early years centres across EastPictured (from left) Estates Manager Graeme Lynn and Councillor Gordan Low, Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council Dunbartonshire.
Work has been 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 now visible by visiting the www.defibfinder.uk 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. Internal units are also being added.
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.
Further consultation will take place with communities to ensure defibrillators are in the most appropriate and effective locations.
This is an excellent project which will hopefully help to save lives and provide reassurance. It is important that, in those crucial moments after a cardiac arrest, defibrillators can be accessed quickly and safely.
He added, "Our newly-augmented network includes a mix of internal and external installations, aimed at delivering 24/7 access across our local communities."
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.
Councillor Low added, "I want to commend community organisations, businesses and individuals who have played a vital part in securing defibrillators for towns and villages across East Dunbartonshire. This is a great example of how we can work together for the greater good."
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.
