THE Alloa Advertiser today launches a fundraising drive to help secure a public access defibrillator for Sauchie.

Local fundraiser Gary Drummond has contacted the paper as he has two lifesaving devices to be put up around the Wee County and Alloa Round Table already pledged money for a heated and locked cabinet for one in Tron Court, Tullibody.

However, we are looking to go further and add to the growing number of defibrillators in the Wee County.

Public access defibrillators can save a person’s life if they collapse in a cardiac arrest while the heated and locked cabinets ensure they can be used any time of the day.

Tullibody butcher Jim Hutchison of J Hutchison and Sons will be hosting a device at his Tron Court shop and highlighted the nursery near his shop now boasts a defibrillator, but it is only available when the premises are open.

He hailed the defibrillator as “a great thing” that can improve the survival chances of anyone going into a cardiac arrest.

Gary, who now runs his own good cause Drummond Charity Works Africa, was responsible for securing the first public access defibrillator for Alloa last year and since then, many communities have purchased their own.

But a few gaps still exist with hopes people will be keen to make sure there is a defibrillator in every corner of the Wee County.

Tommy McCann, paramedic team leader based at Sauchie Ambulance Station, said the devices are “absolutely lifesaving”.

He told the Advertiser: “They are very easy to use, very straightforward and the effect they have is fantastic.”

He highlighted CPR is an essential skill that needs to be employed, but many automated external defibrillators walk people through that as well with voice guidance from the moment they are switched on.

Moreover, the defibrillator will only deliver a shock if it is necessary, meaning people can be confident using them.

Tommy added: “The earlier CPR and the defib is used the better the outcome for any patient.

“They are absolutely lifesaving.”

As with any other device that has gone up on a wall this year, people will need to call 999 if a cardiac arrest emergency arises and will directed towards the cabinet, and be given the code, by operators on the phone.

Tommy added: “I just think the more of these machines there are about, the better chance of survival for anyone whether its young or old, they are lifesaving.”

Gary asked that leftover money goes towards further defibrillators and cabinets around Clackmannanshire.