City centre defibrillator access is to be greatly increased thanks to an investment from business organisation Aberdeen Inspired.
The organisation, in partnership with British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland, has purchased three potentially life-saving defibrillators which are to be installed within the area’s Grosvenor G Casino, McDonald’s restaurant on Union Street and Soul Casino. The purchase of the machines has been supported with a grant from the nation’s heart charity.
With the three locations picked on their ease of access and their lengthy daily opening hours, the mobile defibrillators will be available for any emergency scenario within that area and are innovatively designed to ensure quick and efficient use.
The defibrillator investment is the latest in a host of projects spearheaded by Aberdeen Inspired in an effort to maintain safety and security within the city centre and BID (Business Improvement District) zone.
Late last year, the organisation welcomed judges to the city as it became a three-time winner of the prestigious Purple Flag award, an accreditation which recognises a commitment to a safe and secure night time experience.
Gary Craig, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “As an organisation, Aberdeen Inspired is continually looking at ways of both maintaining and improving the safety of visitors to the city centre and this investment is the latest in a number of projects to come to fruition that aim to do just that.
“We’ve selected the locations used to house the equipment very carefully in terms of their position on Union Street and the access that people have to these. The opening hours of the three locations are also vital to the project, helping make access to the machines, should they be required, as efficient as possible.
“The potentially life-saving machines will be well signposted so that people within the vicinity will be aware of their presence. We believe that this will be a welcome addition to our city centre streets and I’d like to thank BHF Scotland for its support in the project.
“We’re also encouraging other businesses to get in touch as we’re keen to pursue opportunities of installing further defibrillators in key locations throughout the city centre. We’d be delighted to help play a part in this coming to fruition throughout the coming months.”
Kathy McIlwaine, BHF Scotland’s local fundraising manager in Aberdeen, said: “According to the Scottish Government, around 3,500 people in Scotland have an attempted resuscitation each year because they have suffered a cardiac arrest outside of hospital, but only 175 people (5%) survive.
“More lives could be saved if more defibrillators were available in public places and if more people felt confident using them. We’re delighted that Aberdeen Inspired has joined BHF Scotland’s Nation of Lifesavers campaign - by making more defibrillators available in Aberdeen. It could really be the difference between life and death.”
Aberdeen Inspired is the banner under which the Aberdeen BID (Business Improvement District) operates. It is a business-led initiative within the city centre in which levy payers within the BID zone contribute.
A renewal ballot will open on February 04 and will run until March 17, with levy payers invited to vote on whether the organisation returns for a second five-year term.
Proceeds are used to fund projects designed to improve the business district. Further information on the work of Aberdeen Inspired is available at www.aberdeeninspired.com