New defibrillator for iconic Hill House

The device can help save someone’s life in the event of cardiac arrest – when the heart stops beating in normal rhythm.  

Speaking as she unveiled the device this week, Chair of St John Scotland, the Duchess of Argyll, said: “Around 70 people have a cardiac arrest each week in Scotland, yet sadly, only one in ten will survive. Starting CPR and using a defibrillator if one is available will give the person the best chance of surviving.  

“That's why we’re working with communities right across Scotland to increase access to these vital devices. We’re delighted the Hill House now has a defibrillator available for the benefit of all who work in, or visit this magnificent venue.” 

Rachel Thompson, Visitor Services Manager from the National Trust for Scotland, who manage the Hill House, said: “All of us at The Hill House would like to thank St John Scotland for our new defibrillator. It is great to know that, in case of an emergency, we now have a public access defibrillator available that could hopefully save someone’s life.” 

St John Scotland helped provide the device as part of our drive to increase access to defibrillators across Dunbartonshire and the country as a whole. 
 
Chair of St John Scotland’s Dunbartonshire team of volunteers, Graham Smith said: “The defibrillator has been installed on the wall of the shed next to the entrance to the Hill House, so it’s within easy reach of the main building but is also available 24/7 in case of emergency. It can be used by any member of the public, with no training – you just turn it on and it reads aloud instructions telling you what to do. People are often surprised by how simple they are to use, but we know that by doing CPR, and using a defibrillator, we can all help save lives.”