A PROJECT to install eight defibrillators in Eskdale and Ewes has secured nearly all its funding.
The scheme is being led by Ian Donald of Canonbie and Jamie Fletcher of Langholm who have liaised with Eskdalemuir, Langholm, Ewes and Westerkirk and Canonbie community councils to secure the necessary funding.
Installation
The defibrillators will be installed at Canonbie public hall, Glenzier hall, Chapelknowe, Langholm High Street, The Craig, Benty hall, Ewes hall and Eskdalemuir Community Hub.
Eskdalemuir community council secured £17,415.36 for the project from the Ewehill 16 windfarm community benefit fund and last week Langholm, Ewes and Westerkirk community council awarded £3,120 and Canonbie £1,000.
The community councils’ awards are from their respective windfarm community benefit schemes.
Ian and Jamie are now looking to apply to the local trusts to secure the outstanding £2,111.52 to enable them to deliver the four-year programme.
Encouraging
Jamie said: “The progress we have made is very encouraging. Everyone involved has been very supportive.
“It has been acknowledged that this project will benefit the whole Eskdale community by providing maintained public access defibrillators 24/7.
“Defibrillators are simple to use, they can be used by any person and could save lives while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.”
Ian added: “Once we have secured the total four-year project cost of £23,646.88, we can buy the eight new stainless steel storage cabinets, have them positioned and buy the six new defibrillators and have two existing ones upgraded.
“This will be followed by training sessions at each location. These sessions will give the public the knowledge and confidence to help someone who has a cardiac arrest by carrying out CPR and using a defibrillator if needed.”