MICT has taken responsibility for working with the Scottish Ambulance Service to ensure that the public access defibrillators already in place around the island are known to the Ambulance Service emergency call handlers. We have one of the most comprehensive networks in Scotland, covering all the major settlements and every school on Mull and Iona. There are even public access defibrillators on Erraid and Ulva
The number of public access defibrillators is increasing as we secure funding and with the agreement of willing businesses and building owners install them at strategic locations around the island. We have produced a map which is available below. Please feel free to make use of this on your own websites and publications. The more people aware the better!
The defibrillators are checked every month by local volunteer “Guardians”. The checks done by the volunteers are coordinated by our Facilities Manager, and an online report completed which confirms to the Scottish Ambulance Service that each and every unit is functioning and operational.
It is vital that in an emergency, a 999 call is made to ensure that the ambulance service dispatches an ambulance and if one is available, a Community First Responder – please do not forget to call 999 if you ever have to make use of one of the public access defibrillators.
Download a the map here.
Anyone calling 999 who might need access to a defibrillator will be advised of the location of the nearest one by the call handler.
There is of course a running cost for the public access defibrillators – to replace the batteries (5 years) and the sticky pads (3 years). So if you would like to contribute to a revenue fund, a small donation would be much appreciated. Please click here to donate.
There are now five Community First Responder Networks operating – on Iona, the Ross of Mull, Dervaig, Ulva Ferry and Tobermory. This is thanks to residents volunteering to take on this important and valuable role.
If you are interested in receiving the defibrillator training and CPR training or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer Community First Responder or would simply like to know more, please contact facilities@mict.co.uk Tel. 01680 812900
