OREANDA-NEWS. Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission (SHE Transmission) and Balfour Beatty have gifted two lifesaving defibrillators to the Highland community of Fort Augustus.

The village can sometimes be difficult to reach if there are issues on the A82, so provision of these units may make all the difference if somebody takes ill and requires medical assistance. 

The British Heart Foundation states that when someone goes into cardiac arrest, every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation reduces their chance of survival by 10%, so having this vital equipment in a central location in the community will hopefully give local residents peace of mind and has the potential to save lives.

Stuart Findlay, Chairman of the Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Council commented on the donation: “The community councillors are pleased to accept - from SHE Transmission and Balfour Beatty - these defibrillators on behalf of the communities of Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston. We are seeking the most suitable locations in both Fort Augustus and Invermoriston to place the defibrillators in order that they are easily accessible in an emergency.

“This is an opportunity to raise awareness of the need for volunteer trained First Aiders or First Responders in the communities to help provide an invaluable service.”

Johannes Smit, SHE Transmission Project Manager at Auchterawe substation, explained further: ‘It is becoming standard practice to have essential lifesaving defibrillator units on construction sites and in other public locations and they really can make a difference in the correct situation. I hope the Fort Augustus community will find reassurance from the knowledge that the units will be available if the worst was to happen.

“SHE Transmission and Balfour Beatty have worked in the Fort Augustus area over the past four years and in many ways have become part of the local community. Local residents has been so accommodating and incredibly friendly towards our staff, so I feel proud that we can give something as valuable as a defibrillator to the community.”