Southcraig Public Access Defibrillator Campaign

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! - THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

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I am fundraising for a Publicly Available Lifesaving Defibrillator (PAD) – Trondra Gardens, Southcraig, Kilmarnock.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of premature death, but with immediate treatment many lives can be saved. SCA occurs because the electrical rhythm that controls the heart is replaced by a chaotic disorganised electrical rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF). The quicker VF can be treated by defibrillation, the greater the chance of successful resuscitation. Seconds count, and the ambulance service is unlikely to arrive quickly enough to resuscitate most victims (source: Resuscitation UK).

The proposal is to site the PAD in an external cabinet at the above location. It would be available for public use 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For security the cabinet will have a key lock system. The access code will only be given out by ambulance control to a member of the public who calls 999 and reports a cardiac arrest in the immediate area or within a practical distance.

I recently completed fundraising to purchase and install a PAD at my business premises in Irvine. It has been up and running since mid-March.

The nearest 24/7 Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) that is registered with the Ambulance Service is in New Farm Loch. Tesco, Glasgow Road have one in their Foyer, however it is not registered with the Ambulance Service for public access and only available when the store is open. Both are too far away to be of any practical use to the residents of Southcraig.

As some of you will know good quality CPR combined with early defibrillation can make a massive difference to someones chances of survival if they suffer a cardiac arrest. For every minute that passes without intervention a patients chances for survival drops by approximately 10%.

No training is required to use a defibrillator as its automated system talks you through what to do and it will only deliver a shock if the patient has a shockable rhythm (VF). You cannot harm anyone, the worst thing to do in this situation is nothing!

The cabinet which houses the defibrillator requires a power source, so that the gel in the pads do not freeze in the winter.

Unfortunately we do not have a building such as a community centre in Southcraig to site a PAD, so alternative options have to be explored.

My preferred option would be tying into a street light control unit, on Southcraig Drive in the middle of the estate.  However, East Ayrshire Council have rejected this proposal siting Health and Safety and Operational issues. 

I have asked for this decision to be reconsidered, however I am not hopeful.

Currently, the only viable option, is if someone agreed to host a device. Thus, allowing a power supply to be taken from their home. The unit would be mounted on a post or fence in a strategic location.

I am happy to do this and provide power to the unit at Trondra Gardens, mounted just behind the street sign, so within private property but accessible to any member of the public who required it in an emergency. Although slightly off the main road, this location is still easily accessible and in the middle of the estate.

I am hope you are interested in supporting this very worthwhile project. I am going to start the ball rolling by making a £50 donation.

I hopeful local businesses sponsor this project and other residents may be inspired to replicate this project within other areas of Southcraig.

The target amount would cover installation and running costs for 5 years plus, as outlined below.

The initial outlays:

Purchase of Defibrillator Unit

Purchase of External Key lock Cabinet

Fitting of Cabinet & Electrical Installation

Ongoing Costs:

Spare Set of Adult Pads

Set of Infant/Child Pads

Insurance

Once installed the running costs are minimal and I will be happy to act as ‘Guardian’, hopefully along with others to provide regular operational checks (minimum of once a month) on the unit to make sure it is always ready to use.

Please see useful videos below:

A Success Story:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP_sm23pWqU

AED Operation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4J1YCR9pAc

Useful Document -

https://www.scottishambulance.com/UserFiles/file/YourCommunity/A_guide_to_AEDs_by_RCUK_and_BHF_Dec_2013.pdf)