St John Scotland delivers another public access defibrillator in Edinburgh

St John Scotland has recently delivered its 300th public access defibrillator (PAD) in the city centre as part of the St John in the City project.

The charity identified the need for the life saving equipment some years ago, and has worked to provide both the funds and the training and has partnered with other organisations who host the devices.

The 300th PAD was unveiled by the Rt Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Cllr Robert Aldridge, during Volunteers week at the beginning of June. The charity is now working to identify a suitable location for the latest device.

The Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, said: “This impressive milestone is a testament to the power of community action and the incredible long-standing support for St John Scotland. Reaching 300 Public Access Defibrillators across Edinburgh is a fantastic achievement that the city can be truly proud of. It reflects the dedication and generosity of volunteers, partners, and supporters who give their time to help protect lives in their communities. Across the city St John Scotland public access defibrillators have been used to save lives.”

“I hope this success inspires even more organisations and community groups to get involved and explore hosting a Public Access Defibrillator at their building. “

John Craig, Edinburgh Chair of St John Scotland, said: “Reaching 300 Public Access Defibrillators in Edinburgh is a huge milestone for us, but it’s one that simply wouldn’t be possible without our amazing volunteers. From installing and maintaining defibrillators to delivering training and raising awareness in their communities and much more, their commitment saves lives every day. It’s especially fitting to celebrate this during Volunteers’ Week.”

Mike Pinkerton, whose life was saved by someone using a defibrillator on him, has raised more than £20,000 to support providing more PADs in the capital. He said: “I know how lucky I am to still be here and to be able to do my bit for such a worthwhile cause. I’m also lucky to have had such great support from St John Scotland and their incredible team of volunteers. Of course, we hope these defibrillators are never needed but the truth is they will be and, when they are, we know we’re giving someone suffering a cardiac arrest the best possible chance of survival.”

PADs are crucial in helping to ensure that out of hospital cardiac arrest is not fatal. Having a defibrillator nearby can be the difference between life and death – as long as someone also knows how to use it. Every time St John provides a PAD their volunteers run sessions on CPR and defibrillator training.

The charity hopes to inspire more hosts to have a defibrillator in their premises (often on an outside wall) to allow people to have more public access to the lifesavers.

St John Scotland is encouraging people across Edinburgh to consider placing a PAD in their local area.

Find out more at:https://www.stjohnscotland.org.uk/public-access-defibrillators

All registered PADs can be found at https://www.defibfinder.uk/