THE network of defibrillators across Helensburgh and Lomond has received a boost with the installation of the first life-saving device in a small hamlet near Garelochhead.
The new equipment was presented to Dr Roddy Mackay from the Portincaple Residents’ Association last week.
Portincaple residents Peter and Marion Tudge gave the go-ahead for the defibrillator and cabinet to be sited on the garage wall at their home at Rivendell, on Feuins Road, due to the lack of public buildings in the area.
The new defibrillator was handed over by Sheenah Nelson, Heartstart co-ordinator for the Helensburgh and Lomond area, last week.
READ MORE: Life-saving defibrillator installed at Garelochhead's village hall
Also in attendance were Mr and Mrs Tudge, and local residents Val and Watson Robinson, Ron Fletcher and Scott Munro.
Dr Mackay said: “The residents of Portincaple would like to express their gratitude to all who have given generous donations towards the cost of the defibrillator.
“These are Petrineos (Finnart) Lodge St George 503 (Helensburgh) and of course the residents.
“In addition, financial assistance and technical advice came from the Helensburgh and Local District CPR/Defibrillator Association and the Heartstart defibrillator training scheme, which was provided by Sheenah Nelson and her team from Heartsart Helensburgh Garelochside Rotary.
READ MORE: Defibrillator 'champion' receives BEM in Queen's birthday honours list
“The mounting bracket for the cabinet was provided free of charge by Nicol Slee Fabricators (Garelochhead) and Watson Robinson gave his time to construct the decking platform.
“As we have no public buildings at Portincaple, our thanks go to Mr and Mrs Tudge for hosting the defibrillator on their garage wall.”
Heartstart Helensburgh Garelochside Rotary provided Heartstart and defibrillator awareness training for Portincaple residents before Christmas at Garelochhead Parish Church, and will be returning to deliver a second course for the residents of Portincaple on Sunday, March 1 from 3-5pm.
Sheenah added: “By dialling 999, beginning CPR and getting a defibrillator to the scene of a cardiac arrest, you may save a life.”
READ MORE: Catch up with all the latest news from around Helensburgh and Lomond here
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here