We are delighted to announce that a 24/7 access Automated External Defibrillator (AED) also known as a Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) has been installed outside the front of the Scout Hall. This is available for anyone in the community to use in an emergency.
We would like to say a big thank you to Rhu Amateur Football Club and Rotary Club of Helensburgh Garelochside for their generous donations and to Fusebox Electricals for the installation of the external cabinet. We would like to also thank Helensburgh & District CPR / Defibrillator Association for supporting us through the process of purchasing and installing the unit.
What is a defibrillator (AED)?
When a person goes into cardiac arrest, their heart stops beating normally as the electrical activity in their heart becomes uncoordinated. The AED will analyse the heart’s electrical rhythm and if it detects a rhythm likely to respond to a shock, it will charge itself ready to deliver a shock.
What should I do if I see someone who is unconscious and not breathing normally?
You must first call 999 to arrange for help. As well as guiding you through CPR, the call operator will be able to advise you if there is a defibrillator nearby. If there is, they will usually ask you to stay with the patient and continue CPR but ask someone around you to find the defibrillator.
Can anyone use one?
Yes. Defibrillators give the person using them clear audio instructions. You cannot hurt someone with a defibrillator because it won’t work unless a person is in cardiac arrest.
I’ve seen some defibrillators are locked inside a cabinet. How would I know how to get access to it in an emergency?
When you dial 999 the call handler will give you the code to unlock it.
Can it really make a difference to a person in cardiac arrest?
Definitely! The immediate delivery of CPR combined with early use of a defibrillator gives a person in cardiac arrest the best chance of surviving.
Where is the nearest Defibrillator to me?
Trossachs Search & Rescue have developed a great site that shows you all the Public Access Defibrillators (PADs) in Helensburgh & Lomond area. It shows the PADs that are nearest to you and if they are available 24/7 or if they can only be accessed during certian time periods. It is definetly worth saving this page! https://www.trossachsdefibrillator.co.uk/