Girvan defibrillators available 24/7

There have been fourteen defibrillators installed in Girvan. This project was brought to fruition by a partnership approach by Girvan & South Carrick Locality Planning Partnership and Girvan Town Team. Together they secured the funding for the project to become reality alongside support and advice from Girvan & South Carrick First Responders.

Nine new defibrillators have been installed on various buildings throughout the town. Five of these belong to South Ayrshire Council and have now been relocated outside their premises, ensuring that they are now available 24/7. All fourteen defibrillators have been registered on The Circuit ensuring the Scottish Ambulance Service is aware of the location of these defibrillators. When a person calls 999 they can obtain the key safe number to access the defibrillator closet to them.

Now members of the public have the opportunity to learn how to use a defibrillator by attending one of the free drop in events which are being held in the Quay Zone studio. Friday 25 August 18:30 - 20:30 and Sunday 27 August 14:00 - 16:00.

David Girvan, Chair of Girvan & South Carrick Locality Planning Partnership said: "Thanks to funding from South Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership, we have invested over £18,000 into this project. We have also supported some of the villages in South Carrick to ensure that there is access to these lifesaving pieces of equipment throughout Girvan & South Carrick. I would also like to thank all the owners who have allowed us to install a defibrillator on their premises."

Roddy MacDonald, Girvan Town Team Coordinator said: "The Girvan Town Team is appreciative of the funding provided by the Assel Valley Windfarm Fund and the support of our community partners."

Mark Bradley, Girvan & South Carrick First Responders Coordinator said: "I know the vital benefits of having a defibrillator to hand when someone goes into cardiac arrest. Having a defibrillator and carrying out chest compressions gives the patient a much greater chance of survival during an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. For every minute that passes whilst the patient does not receive this treatment, their chance of survival diminishes by 10% every minute. I would urge everyone to become comfortable in the use of a defibrillator and performing chest compressions by attending this drop in event."