AmcoGiffen installs lifesaving defibrillator for community
Crinan community welcomes installation of defibrillator by AmcoGiffen
We’ve recently installed a defibrillator, a potentially lifesaving device on behalf of the charity The Community Heartbeat Trust while carrying out work on the Crinan Canal lock gates on behalf of Scottish Canals. We’ve been working in the area since November last year to replace the existing lock gates on the east side of the canal including the sea locks. The project involved draining Crinan Canal from Ardrishaig Sea to lock eight, removing the existing gates from locks one to four, fabricating and installing new gates and further associated civil engineering work.
The installation of the defibrillator at Cairnbaan in Argyle and Bute on the West Coast of Scotland has been led by resident, Siobhan Canavan in conjunction with the charity. It’s been fitted in an old unused phone box which makes it even more special and it’s now fully operational for the community to use.
The necessity of having easy access to these life saving devices is crucial. Millions of us watched in horror when Danish footballer Christian Eriksen collapsed mid-match live on TV during the Euros. The medics on hand provided CPR and his heart needed re-starting on the pitch using a defibrillator. Thankfully he’s now on the road to recovery but this only emphases the urgency.
The defibrillator gives a high energy electric shock to the heart of a person in cardiac arrest which when the heart stops beating normally, it’s an important part of trying to save the life of someone in that situation. Research suggests that administering defibrillation within three to five minutes of collapse can produce better survival rates - as high as 50-70% underlining the importance of making sure they’re available in our communities.
We’re is pleased to be able to support this initiative and leave a lasting legacy for the residents that may even save a life one day.
Learn more about defibrillators here Defibrillators - British Heart Foundation
Caption: The phone box defibrillator in place L-R Resident Siobhan Canavan, Gordon Paterson from AmcoGiffen and resident Maureen Brankin.
