Loch Ken Tryst has funded new publicly accessible defibrillators and heated boxes to six local communities this month, as part of their ‘Protecting Our Heart’ project.
The project is part of the Loch Ken Plan, which aims to make Loch Ken the world’s first ‘Future Ready Community’.
In a rural area, the wait time for an ambulance can be lengthy, and the survival rates for heart attacks are lower than the national average. Since extra ambulances are unlikely in the area, the Trust decided to expand the network of existing defibs to provide better coverage.
There are now defibrillators in heated boxes installed at the following locations around the loch; Forrest Estate, Dundeugh, Glenlochar, Clarebrand, New Galloway, Crossmichael and Mossdale. The project was funded by a grant secured from the National Lottery’s Awards For All programme and supported by the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme.
Loch Ken Trust Officer, Barney Fryer said, ‘This is a hugely important project for us at Loch Ken Trust, as it is all about looking after the health and wellbeing of the people in our communities. We hope that no-one ever needs to use this life-saving equipment, which is why we are also delivering cardiac health training. But if the worst does happen, the network of defibs around Loch Ken is now bigger than ever!’
The communities were delighted to receive these potentially life saving devices.
Sharon Fishwick, of Dundeugh, said: “The residents of Dundeugh have been trying to get a defibrillator installed in our remote village for years. Our village would like to thank the Loch Ken Trust for their continued support as we take ownership of our defibrillator.”
“The Loch Ken Trust has given us the gift of saving a life,” added Ceri Moran, of Clarebrand.
Yvonne Grant, of Glenlochar Community Hall, said: “The Trust’s Cardiac Health Project is an excellent project which will have a huge impact to the community knowing the resources are available to help save lives.”
Please watch this space for details of cardiac training which will be available in the near future.
To join or find out more about the work of Loch Ken Trust, please visit www.Lochken.org.uk