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St John Scotland, in partnership with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), is proud to announce the installation of a pioneering Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) at the RSPB Baron’s Haugh Nature Reserve in Motherwell. The unveiling of the defibrillator took place on the 5th of June 2024. This significant development marks the first solar and wind-powered PAD installation in Scotland, aimed at enhancing public safety in a remote and power-deprived location. In Scotland the advantages would be ground-breaking. Research showed that solar alone was not enough to support a heating system for the defibrillator in winter, which is why both solar and wind is required.The installation of this defibrillator is not just a technological advancement but a deeply meaningful tribute to Stephen Owen, who managed the nature reserve between 2012 and 2016 and sadly passed away from cardiac arrest in 2017, and Karen Galloway, who passed away from cardiac arrest in 2023 and was the wife of volunteer Andrew who has given up his time for over a decade to protect this special place. Both have left a profound impact on the community. The project emerged from a conversation about defibrillator accessibility at other RSPB reserves, leading to the idea of placing a PAD at Baron’s Haugh, despite the challenge of no existing electricity supply.Recognising the necessity of defibrillators in saving lives during cardiac emergencies, St John Scotland, with financial backing and logistical support from their partners, took on this project. Deborah McKinnon, St John Scotland's Delivery Officer, collaborated with the RSPB Scotland and Turtle Engineering to overcome the power supply issue by incorporating innovative solar and wind technology. This approach ensures the defibrillator remains operational in all weather conditions, safeguarding against the potential damage caused by cold temperatures.Turtle, based in Rugby, England, travelled to Motherwell to install the cabinet, while WelMedical generously donated the defibrillator itself. St John Scotland member Liam Hackett CStJ played a crucial role in raising additional funds for the project. The official unveiling ceremony was attended by representatives from St John Scotland, RSPB Scotland, and Stephen and Karen’s families.In Scotland, approximately 70 individuals suffer a cardiac arrest weekly, with survival rates currently at one in ten. St John Scotland, in partnership with Save a Life for Scotland (SALFS), is committed to improving these statistics by supplying PADs and offering free CPR and defibrillator awareness sessions. The Baron’s Haugh installation reflects this mission, with planned awareness sessions for the local community, RSPB Scotland staff, volunteers, and visitors to ensure everyone is prepared in the event of a cardiac emergency.The renewable energy-powered defibrillator stands as a symbol of Stephen and Karen’s legacies and a testament to the seamless integration of innovation and conservation. It highlights St John Scotland’s dedication to safety while preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of Baron’s Haugh—a cause Stephen and Karen were both deeply passionate about.This collaborative effort between RSPB Scotland and St John Scotland not only commemorates Stephen and Karen but also sets a precedent for future projects at other nature reserves and remote locations. The success of this initiative underscores the potential of renewable energy in life-saving technology and the importance of community-driven solutions in protecting both people and wildlife.Barri Millar, the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer for St John Scotland said, "I am delighted that St John Scotland were able to support this installation, and the new innovative solution to the problem of remote sites with no power has now been resolved and advanced the ability to deploy and install public access defibrillators throughout the country. Although more costly to install, we would love to work with other community groups to find solutions to installing public access defibrillators in remote locations, and ultimately save lives.’’Deborah McKinnon said: “I am incredibly excited and inspired by this project. It's thrilling to see St John Scotland introduce innovative technology that can help save lives, even in Scotland’s most remote areas. Knowing that the absence of an electricity supply no longer hinders our ability to safeguard our communities is truly reassuring. Coupled with our free CPR and defibrillator awareness sessions, this initiative empowers our communities to unite and take care of one another.”Dr Gareth Clegg, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, Group Lead for the Resuscitation Research Group, and Save a Life for Scotland(SALFS) was delighted to see an innovative way to provide power to a defib cabinet. He said "St John Scotland are a valued partner of SALFS and we are delighted to see St John Scotland leading the way in supporting rural communities to save lives.’’David Anderson, RSPB Scotland Warden at Baron’s Haugh, said: “Stephen and Karen are both very special people for RSPB Baron’s Haugh. Stephen’s kindness and warmth is still talked about by people who knew him, and he made a huge contribution to protecting this nature reserve. We also want to recognise the contribution of Karen’s family who dedicated their time to protecting Baron’s Haugh over the past decade. I hope we never have to use this defibrillator, but it is such a comfort to know it is there and ready to be used by anyone who needs to help in an emergency situation.”Stephen’s family said: “We are very moved by the RSPB and St John Scotland including a memorial to Stephen in the installation of the defibrillator and to know that he is still remembered fondly from his time working at Baron’s Haugh. The innovative use of renewable energy to power the heating system for the defibrillator is particularly appropriate given Stephen’s dedication to environmental issues.”

Are you passionate about saving lives and empowering local communities? Do you want to be part of a dedicated team working towards a noble cause? Look no further! St John Scotland is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join us as Service Delivery Officers, who will help support our volunteer teams in delivering life-saving services across Scotland. The role of the Service Delivery Officer is to support our volunteer teams to develop and deliver core services and outcomes to build and consolidate the identity of St John Scotland nationally and in local communities. It is a WFH (work from home) opportunity with some occasional travel to our Head Office in Edinburgh and across Scotland to our 12 local Area teams as required. We currently have two part time roles available. Service Delivery Officer (PAD & CPR) - 30 hours Service Delivery Officer (PTS & CFR) - 22.5 hours Service Delivery Officer (PAD & CPR) Main duties and responsibilities: Support Public Access Defibrillators (PAD) and Bystander CPR services at national and area levels. Assist communities in acquiring PADs and monitoring their impact. Collaborate with partner organisations to understand priority needs and impact. Coordinate free Bystander CPR and defibrillator awareness training for community groups and the public. Manage procurement and delivery of defibrillators, cabinets, and CPR training equipment. Recruit and retain CPR Leads and Champions in collaboration with the Volunteer Development Officer Support the development and work of PAD and CPR Communities of Practice Generate quarterly and annual data for monitoring output and progress. Ensure effective governance arrangements for projects and services. Perform additional duties as assigned by the Service Development Manager and CEO of St John Scotland. Service Delivery Officer (PTS & CFR) Main duties and responsibilities: Support development of Patient Transport Services (PTS) for renal dialysis and oncology patients at Area Level Continue and enhance existing services in all current areas. Develop new services based on opportunities and available resources. Support provision of St John Scotland PT vehicles and volunteers using their own vehicles. Recruit and retain coordinators and drivers in collaboration with the Volunteer Development Officer. Provide clothing and equipment for patient transport services. Establish a partnership with the Scottish Ambulance Service to increase support for Community First Responder groups (CFR). Support the development and work of the Patient Transport Community of Practice. Generate quarterly and annual data for monitoring output and progress. Ensure effective governance arrangements for all projects and services. Perform additional duties as assigned by the Service Development Manager and CEO of St John Scotland. Requirements of both Service Delivery Officer roles: Able to demonstrate a willingness to work alongside volunteers to support them and their activity, to empower others and work collaboratively. Highly motivated and resilient. Able to use initiative, demonstrate discretion, sound judgement and effective decision-making ability. Excellent communication skills such that you can communicate effectively with people and groups from primary school children to Board Members. Commitment to effective remote and hybrid ways of working and meetings. Flexibility and adaptability. Accuracy and attention to detail. Clean UK driving license and a willingness to travel on charitable business and work flexibly to enable effective engagement with our volunteer teams across Scotland. Mileage will be paid, and public transport encouraged, where possible. Experience desired for both Service Delivery Officer roles: Working with volunteers in a leadership role within a decentralised organisation to deliver specific outcomes. Community engagement to initiate projects, develop, deliver, and demonstrate impact. Developing effective partnerships, collaborative working arrangements and/or service agreements with other organisations which demonstrate contribution to overall objectives. Managing projects, event planning and administration reporting to senior management. Experience directly relevant to any of our core services is highly desirable. Working within a distributed or remote team desirable About you: Ability to work collaboratively with volunteers, colleagues, and partners to develop and deliver services. Knowledge of governance and operational requirements of working within the charity sector. An awareness of community health resilience and equalities issues is desirable. Holding a First Aid or similar qualification is desirable. Excellent IT skills, including experience of using the full Microsoft Office suite with a particular focus on communication within a decentralised organisation. Evidence of ongoing development and learning. SCQF Level 7 qualification or above - or equivalent – desirable. Application Notes: Please download and read full role description and person specification before applying. Download full role descriptions - here Please submit applications by CV and covering letter, explaining how your skills and experience would be a suitable fit for the role, to info@stjohnscotland.org.uk. Please make sure to mention the position you wish to be considered for as the email subject title. Closing date: Tuesday 25th July 2023 Interviews for the Service Delivery Officer vacancies will be held the week beginning 31st July 2023. All candidates invited to interview will be sent a short task to complete online prior to their scheduled interview.

A new Public Access Defibrillator is now available at Arran Mountain Rescue, St John Base, Cladach. The C & C Group (Tennets Caledonian Breweries UK ltd) in partnership with St John Scotland have donated a Public Access Defibrillator in memory of their colleague Laura Henderson who suffered from a cardiac arrest whilst out on a run. Stephen Dickson and David Adams represented C & C Group at the unveiling. Jess Duncan (Chair of Ayrshire and Arran St John Scotland) and Ewan McKinnon (Leader, Arran Mountain Rescue) were also present at the unveiling which took place on the 4th of March 2023. St John Scotland follows up each installation with bystander CPR and defibrillator awareness training. St John Scotland want to help people in the community feel reassured that if a situation may arise that they would have the knowledge and be confident enough to assist someone who is having a cardiac arrest. The unveiling was followed up with training which was delivered by Brian Gibson and Colin McCormick assisted by the Arran Mountain Rescue volunteers. Ewan McKinnon leader of Arran Mountain Rescue said: "We were delighted to be able to host St John Scotland at our base for such a worthwhile event. SJS have provided incredible support to AMRT over the years, providing our first team vehicle in 2004 and funding our team base a few years later, transforming the workings of the team and greatly improving our ability to respond to incidents in the Arran Hills and we are glad to be able to support them in this way.'' Ewan added: ''A special thanks to David Adams and Stevie Dickson whose fundraising efforts in memory of their work colleague Laura allowed the new public access defibrillator to be installed at our base.’’ Chair of St John Scotland in Ayrshire & Arran, Jess Duncan, said: “St John Scotland Ayrshire and Arran is delighted to partner with Arran Mountain Rescue Team, with whom we have a long association, in providing a public access defibrillator at their Base in Cladach on the Isle of Arran. This lifesaving device was very generously funded by Laura Henderson’s colleagues and her former employer, C&C Group (Tennents) We were thrilled to have Stephen Dickson and David Adams from C&C at the unveiling of the defibrillator and thank them for their extraordinary fundraising efforts.” Jess added: “Our thanks to Ewan McKinnon, Leader, and all of the team at AMR for their very warm welcome and invaluable assistance with our training in bystander CPR and defibrillator awareness.” The story was published in the Arran Banner: Click here to view published article.

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