CalMac boosts Craignure's first aid capability

Craignure on Mull is the latest CalMac location to have its first aid capability boosted with a defibrillator.

The ferry operator now has the potentially lifesaving equipment available at 15 ports, harbours and slipways across their network and also on all vessels.

"We have experienced people becoming seriously ill in the port in past, now we have this equipment in place, at least we know we can do all we can to help them make a good recovery," said CalMac port manager, Iain Erskine.

Port staff have been trained in the use of the equipment but it is an open resource that can also be used by members of the public in an emergency. 

Defibrillation is an emergency medical technique that uses an electrical shock to reset the natural beat of the heart. Studies have found that it can dramatically increase a patient's chance of survival when suffering cardiac arrest. 

The Mull and Iona Community Trust have been working hard to develop a network of public access defibrillators around Mull and Iona and linking them into the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Picture shows: CalMac port assistants Zena Henderson (left) and Pete Morrissey show off their latest first aid equipment at Craignure pier. 

The Trust's general manager Moray Finch, said: 

"Both Caledonian MacBrayne and Visit Scotland are valuable partners in our aim of building a network of public access defibrillators throughout Mull and Iona. By providing the defibrillator in a weatherproof cabinet in an area of very high footfall it is very possible that someone's life might be saved one day and on behalf of the wider community I would like to thank Caledonian MacBrayne for their support"

Port buildings on the islands are a popular choice to locate the equipment as they tend to be central and easily accessible within communities. CalMac has trained hundreds of staff in their use.