MSP surprise over defibrillators

SHOCK has been expressed by a Highlands and Islands MSP that only 13 police vehicles in Scotland carry a defibrillator.

There are none in the Grampian Police or Northern Constabulary command areas.

The majority are in Strathclyde where 10 vehicles have a defibrillator.

The only other vehicles with the life-saving kit are in Central (2) and Fife.

In Grampian, 30 police officers are trained in the use of a defibrillator.

Labour MSP David Stewart said: "I am actually quite surprised that an emergency service such as the police do not carry defibrillators in their patrol vehicles.

"I would have thought that especially in rural areas, where the police are likely to be first on the scene of an incident where a defibrillator could be used, it would be advantageous."

He has urged the Scottish Government to incorporate defibrillator training for officers and support staff as part of their emergency first aid courses.

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