Scotmid Launches Defibrillator Initiative

Scotmid has launched a new initiative with the Scottish Ambulance Service that will see automated defibrillators installed in 40 of the company's stores across Scotland.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon met staff in Kirkcaldy yesterday at the first store to be equipped with a public access defibrillator in the partnership between the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) and Scotmid.

Staff at the shop are the first in the country to have been trained to use the automated defibrillators in a programme that will see them rolled out to Scotmid, Semichem and Fragrance House shops across Scotland.

The initiative is part of a programme to provide Community Public Access Defibrillators in areas where they can help save lives.

Working closely with British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland, the Scottish Ambulance Service is helping Scotmid to purchase and install the in store defibrillators, training staff to ensure that they can be quickly deployed whenever needed.

The SAS has worked closely with the company to map its store locations in order to identify where the defibrillators are likely to save most lives.

Ms Sturgeon, said: "The chance of survival from a heart attack is much greater when a patient receives early defibrillation, quickly followed up by advance cardiac care from an ambulance team.

"I am delighted to meet the first staff to be trained in the use of automated defibrillators through this initiative in Kirkcaldy. This unique partnership between the Scottish Ambulance Service and Scotmid will benefit communities across Scotland, with the potential to save lives."

Pauline Howie, SAS chief executive, said: "The roll-out of this public access defibrillator programme will make a positive contribution to safer and sustainable communities around the country.

"While we have world-class ambulance response times in Scotland, we know that in cardiac cases every second counts and that equipping communities with basic life-saving skills and equipment will improve survival rates."

John Brodie, chief executive of Scotmid, said: "All of our stores provide a service at the core of local communities across Scotland and we are committed to helping them to make a difference and improve people's lives.

"The public access defibrillator project has been enthusiastically supported by our staff, who are delighted to be part of such an important initiative."

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