Lifesaving defibrillator stationed at village hall
A MORAY community has installed a public access defibrillator outside the front door of its village hall.
The lifesaving emergency equipment was put in place by Fogwatt Hall committee for the use of hall patrons and the wider community.
The village's position close to the A941 trunk road through Speyside means it could also be accessed by motorists in need.
The equipment was purchased through Keiran's Legacy, which provides defibrillators and emergency first aid training in memory of schoolboy Keiran McKandie.
His mum Sandra visited the hall this week as the equipment was installed on the hall's exterior wall.
Hall committee chairman Sandy Duncan said: "We carry out various fundraising events throughout the year to help us to provide a sustainable venue for the local community and we think that the £1500 we paid is worth every penny for the reassurance that having the defibrillator available in our area gives us.
"There is a code on the locked cubicle which houses the defibrillator which is available from the ambulance service when you dial 999.
"The unit is simple to use and talks to you after you switch it on, giving you instructions.
"Nobody should be afraid to use the defibrillator in a cardiac arrest situation whether they have been trained or not.
"We are also carrying out familiarisation training at the hall for anybody that would be interested in seeing the unit and how it works.
"This training is also supplied via the Keiran’s Legacy for which we are most grateful."
That takes place on Thursday, May 30, when two sessions will run, starting at 6pm and 7pm and each lasting an hour.
Places can be booked by contacting Mr Duncan on 01343 860388.
