The unveiling of four new pieces of life-saving equipment across the north-east was celebrated yesterday.
The Meldrum Bourtie and Daviot Community Council successfully raised money for four defibrillators to be located in Oldmeldrum and Daviot.
The idea was first suggested at a meeting of the Formartine safety group, where members felt these appliances would be a vital addition to the local community.
Thereafter, Kaye Cowie, a member of the group and secretary of the Meldrum Bourtie and Daviot Community Council, launched the fundraising drive which was quiflooded with donations.
The Community Council have now distributed the defibrillators to Meldrum Academy and Meldrum Golf Club, while installing one in Oldmeldrum Square and one at the Daviot Village Hall.
A defibrillator is a device that gives the heart an electric shock when it has stopped beating.
While ambulances always carry one on board, it has been reported by St Johns Ambulance that using a defibrillator before an ambulance arrives can double someone’s chances of survival.
This means that having such equipment available in public places is often life-saving.
Defibrillators can be used on children over one year old and adults.
Some of the donors included Oldmeldrum Fire Service, the Rotary Club of Oldmeldrum, Daviot Church Café and the Meldrum Business Group.
Following the installation of the machines, a CPR training and refresher course is being offered by Oldmeldrum Fire Service to anyone interested.
Anybody interested in enrolling in a session should text 07786395802 or email kayser1964@sky.com