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Salmon workers provide Lewis defibrillator  

5 October 2015  

A defibrillator is now available in the North Tolsta and Broadbay area after a fundraising drive by fish farm workers.

 

The equipment – which would be used if someone suffered a heart attack and a doctor wasn’t immediately available – was paid for through a marathon effort by staff from The Scottish Salmon Company (SSC).

 

The fundraising activity, organised by the Sandpiper Trust, saw more than £5,000 raised to support a campaign to improve immediate emergency care, especially in remote and rural areas.

 

It will pay for five defibrillators across mainland and island areas, with the Lewis equipment among the first to be delivered.

 

The money was raised by 90 workers from the Scottish Salmon Company (SSC) as part of the firm's commitment to support the communities in which it operates.

 

The machine will be carried by Dr Peter Greenstock who works as an out-of-hours locum in the North Tolsta and Greater Broadbay areas.

 

Dr Greenstock said the equipment could save lives.

 

He said: “Nobody ever expects to suffer a heart attack, but when the worst happens, it goes without saying that people need medical help as soon as possible.

 

“By having a defibrillator available, the chances of reaching someone in cardiac arrest is increased, meaning their chances of survival also dramatically improves."

 

Craig Anderson, managing director of The Scottish Salmon Company, said: “I’m very proud of our staff and their drive and determination to raise funds for such a worthy cause.

 

"We fully understand the challenges of operating in remote and rural communities and believe it’s important to work together to find solutions that could make a huge difference to people’s lives."

 

 

 

 

Dr Peter Greenstock