We are delighted that the community within New Cumnock has recently benefitted from the installation of a life-saving defibrillator being installed at New Cumnock Primary School.

Around 70 people each week in Scotland have a cardiac arrest, but currently, only one in ten survive.  The use of a defibrillator, particularly within the early stages of a cardiac arrest, dramatically increases the chances of survival.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with East Ayrshire Council, New Cumnock Primary School and Parent Council gained funding and assisted with the installation of the device as part of their drive to improve survival rates from cardiac arrest within the local area.

The device has been installed within one of the special cabinets on the outside of the New Cumnock Primary School building, meaning it can now be accessed 24/7 by any member of the public in an emergency.

As well as helping to provide the defibrillator, the local fire station at New Cumnock will also be providing a training input on the use of this vital life saving equipment. This will be undertaken on a Wednesday evening at 7pm over the next two weeks.  Members of the public will learn what to do in an emergency and see a demonstration of the defibrillator in use.

Another way to save a life is by becoming an ‘On Call Firefighter’ within Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.  We would urge anyone interested to contact their local stations or even visit a station drill night and see what the role is all about.  New Cumnock drill night is every Wednesday, with Cumnock on a Tuesday, both running from 18:30 until 21:30hrs.

Further information is also available within the link below:

https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/careers/on-call-firefighter-recruitment/