McArthur welcomes British Heart Foundation's Community Defibrillator Programme

Orkney's MSP, Liam McArthur has today welcomed the British Heart Foundation's Community Defibrillator Programme, which provides an opportunity for community groups and organisations across Orkney to apply to have a defibrillator and cabinet installed.

Where required, the British Heart Foundation will also cover installation costs, and replacement parts will be provided for free for the next ten years.  

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:  

"This fantastic initiative provides a really valuable opportunity for community groups across Orkney, be they sports teams, faith groups, charities or social clubs, to have this life-saving equipment installed.  

"Survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests remain low and every minute without CPR or defibrillation reduces a patient's chance of survival by roughly 10%, so better access to defibrillators can make a real difference if an emergency situation does occur.

"I know groups in Orkney have taken advantage of this excellent initiative in the past and I congratulate the British Heart Foundation for continuing to make these opportunities available. I'd certainly encourage any local groups who might be interested to visit https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/defibrillators/apply-for-a-free-defibrillator-for-your-community to find out more."