Public Access Defibrillator at New Laigh Kirk, Kilmarnock.

A new Public Access Defibrillator is now available at New Laigh Kirk, Kilmarnock.

The EACHa and Robert Burns World Federation Ltd. have partnered together with St John Scotland to make this Public Access Defibrillator available at the New Laigh Kirk.

St John Scotland provided bystander CPR and defibrillator training after the unveiling of this life saving equipment.

Janice Grant said: ‘’Following fundraising within the church New Laigh Kirk in Kilmarnock we were happy to take up the offer of an external defibrillator during the summer of 2022. We were delighted to receive excellent training on Thursday 2nd March, delivered by Colin McCormick and his team. They dispelled any fears that we had. Anyone, with the correct training, can perform CPR and use a defibrillator.’’ Janice added: ‘’Fourteen members from the church took part in the training, and all now feel confident that they would know what to do in case of an emergency. The defibrillator is situated in a busy shopping street and is now available for local shopkeepers and anyone who passes by. We may never need to use it, but it is such a comfort to know that it is there.’’

Marc Sherland said: “It was wonderful to see so many people learning about how to safely use the defibrillator and the trainers from St John’s made learning so easy and comfortable. I now feel confident that I know what to do in an emergency and how to use the equipment.”

Jess Duncan said, ‘’St John Scotland Ayrshire and Arran’s CPR Champions, Archie Chalmers, Janice Granger, Isabel Mackie, and Sandy Caldwell, led by Colin McCormick, delivered bystander CPR and defib awareness training for EACHa (East Ayrshire Churches Homelessness Action) and Robert Burns World Federation on 2 March at New Laigh Kirk, Kilmarnock. Each of these community groups partnered with St John Scotland to install their public access defibrillators.’’