Thursday 28 March 2024
 6.8°C   ENE Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Community / Please help us save lives by keeping map of local defibrillators up to date

THERE are now almost 100 publicly accessible defibrillators the length and breadth of Shetland, and a new online map shows their exact locations so that no time is lost in case of an emergency.

Click here to view a larger defibrillator map.

Following the collapse of Danish football star Christian Eriksen as he suffered a cardiac arrest during his country’s game against Finland at Euro 2020, Shetland News called on the community to help us create a complete map of where to find the life saving equipment.

We are of course aware that similar work has already been undertaken by the Lucky2BHere charity, which lists 72 defibrillators in Shetland.

The charity is doing vital work in supplying defibrillators and delivering emergency life support training throughout Scotland, so please visit their website and donate if you can.

However, we feel that we can usefully add to the work already done by publishing a regularly updated defibrillator map on our website at www.shetnews.co.uk so that everybody can easily find one when needed. The map itself is at https://www.shetnews.co.uk/defibrillators/ and any updates will also be shared via social media.

Using a defibrillator on a person suffering a cardiac arrest can significantly increase someone’s chance of survival.

Shetland News editor Hans J Marter said: ”Many thanks to everybody who got in touch in response to our appeal. We are confident that we have captured most of the defibrillators that are out there.

“This community resource will hopefully help save lives. To ensure that it remains meaningful it will have to be kept up to date on a regular basis.

“So please keep us posted if new equipment is installed, or if the location of an existing defibrillator has changed. We would also appreciate receiving photos of individual defibrillators in their location as this could help people finding it in an emergency.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

“The best way to contact us is by e-mail news@shetnews.co.uk or via Facebook Messenger.”

Cardiac arrests  – when the heart stops pumping blood – occur very suddenly. To reduce the risk of dying quick access to a defibrillator is vital.

If faced with a situation where someone is suffering from a cardiac arrest, the most important thing is to call for an ambulance by dialling 999 and then to start CPR immediately.

The next step is to use a defibrillator if someone else is around to fetch it. No training to use a defibrillator is needed, as the machine gives instructions of what to do next.

However, it certainly helps to familiarise oneself with a situation any of us could encounter. This link to the British Heart Foundation gives the information you need.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.