RNLI Lerwick installs defibrillator at lifeboat station
A cardiac defibrillator has been installed outside RNLI Lerwick lifeboat station, to provide essential lifesaving treatment to anyone suffering from a heart attack.
The defibrillator has been part-funded by a grant from the British Heart Foundation, and a local crowdfunding effort raised the extra money required to purchase the equipment and stainless-steel cabinet necessary to house it. Lerwick lifeboat crew are particularly thankful to one anonymous donor who donated £900 to the appeal.
Scottish charity, Lucky2BHere, which has helped to provide many defibrillators in Shetland, has also provided AED training to the lifeboat crew.
It is thought that next nearest public access defibrillator is around 400m away, outside the Stewart Building, while the nearby Lerwick Boating Club has a defibrillator located in their premises.
Darren Harcus, Coxswain of RNLI Lerwick lifeboat said:
“Installing this defibrillator fits well with our function as the charity which saves lives at sea. This will be an important lifesaving asset for the Lerwick waterfront, partly paid for by the local community.
"We’d like to thank all those who have made donations for this defibrillator, the British Heart Foundation who have provided grant funding, Lucky2BHere who have provided support, and our RNLI Estates Team who have dealt with the necessary paperwork to install and provide electrical power to the defibrillator on the building."
RNLI media contacts
Bob Kerr, RNLI Lerwick Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 01738 642986, 07920 365929, [email protected]
Gemma McDonald, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 01738 642956, 07826 900639, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
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