On the 21^st of December 2016, 19-year-old Alasdair McVicar sadly died, causing a widespread shock and sadness in the Dunoon community.

Alasdair had returned home from University for the festive season. After being reported missing, the community rallied together and employed the help of the local coastguard, police and mountain rescue. Community members abandoned their Christmas plans to help search for Alasdair in the marshy surroundings whilst others provided hearty sustenance for the searchers.

After an intense 2-day search, Alasdair’s body was sadly found in the water in Lochan by the police and coastguard. The entire community was devastated by the news.

Paying it Forward

In a poignant, kind gesture, his family have used part of Alasdair’s funeral donations to purchase a life-saving defibrillator for the Dunoon community in Argyll.

His family hope that this donation will be of great benefit to their community.

A representative from the Dunoon Coastguard Team said: “This expensive piece of equipment, paid for by members of the community, gifted to the community and housed in a central location on the wall of our station will continue to serve as a permanent reminder of how Dunoon comes together when it matters.”

The Importance of AEDs

Alongside effective CPR, defibrillators are a vital step in the ‘Chain of Survival’. When the heart beats in an irregular rhythm, it is incapable of pumping blood around the body to the vital organs and muscles.

A defibrillator provides the shock that stops the heart completely, allowing the body’s natural pacemaker to take effect and restart the heart in a regular rhythm. AEDs will only provide a shock if one of the following heart rhythms is detected: Ventricular Fibrillation or Ventricular Tachycardia. If neither of these heart rhythms is detected by the defibrillator, then no shock will be delivered.

The story of the defibrillator installation has prompted a member of a flanking Coastguard Team to seek assistance in installing their very own defibrillator in memory of a late team member, meaning Alasdair’s legacy is already being noticed and shared throughout various towns.

Dunoon Coastguard was supplied with a Defibtech Lifeline AED (7-year Battery) AED as well as one of defibshop’s very own Outdoor Heated Cabinet with lock and a set of paediatric electrode pads.

Be Heartsafe

If you’re looking to invest in a life-saving defibrillator, but still need some more assistance on which device is the right one for you, the Product Specialists here at defibshop are only a call away.

Simply call 0845 071 0830 to get in touch or fill out our contact form and one of our friendly experts will happily assist you with any questions or queries you may have.

Blog Photo: Dunoon Observer, https://www.dunoon-observer.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10842&Itemid=19