At the end of last year, the Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee made a donation to Dundee East and West Community First Responders, a group of volunteers who respond to medical emergencies in Dundee and Broughty Ferry.
Hazel Glass from Dundee Community First Responders was keen to remind us all of the importance of having publicly accessible defibrillators. She said,
‘‘A few weeks ago, my husband and I were shopping and went into a shop in Arbroath to be told they were closing as a customer had taken unwell. We said we were ambulance staff and went to help. The customer was in cardiac arrest, so we started CPR and asked for staff to run to the steeple where there is a public access defibrillator. Over 30 minutes, five shocks and CPR were delivered, and the patient was conscious and talking before the ambulance arrived. He is thankfully to be discharged home in the next few days. If a defibrillator had not been available, the outcome would not have been favourable.
‘‘We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee for their incredibly generous donation to our group. Thanks to your kindness, we have been able to replace a vital defibrillator, ensuring that our volunteers can continue to respond swiftly and safely in our local area.
‘‘Your support plays a crucial role in helping us provide essential services to our community, and we are beyond thankful for your support and generosity. Together, we are making a real difference!’’
The photograph shows volunteer members of the Community First Responder team with the new defibrillator.