Sport centres at the heart of life saving

Specialist life saving equipment will now be available in North Lanarkshire sports centres and swimming pools thanks to a donation from the health board.

The News and Chronicle previously reported that Automatic electronic defibrillators (AED’s) would be fitted in secondary schools in the area by the council, providing a vital lifeline to help save someone’s life in an emergency.

Now Broadwood Stadium, Kilsyth pool and the Tryst Sports Centre will all be fitted with the equipment as well as other North Lanarkshire Leisure venues after NHS Lanarkshire donated the equipment.

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Blane Dodds, chief executive of NLL, said: “Emergency situations are time critical and this equipment will help save lives. We are grateful to NHS Lanarkshire for donating these devices and with millions of visitors each year to our centres it is reassuring to know that staff are well trained and AED’s are available.”

Over 100 lifeguards, leisure attendants and duty managers have also been fully trained to use the life saving devices.

David Welsh, NLL training and development coordinator said: “All our staff are already qualified in pool rescue, first aid and cardio-resuscitation lifesaving skills through the Royal Life Saving Society. Research has shown that in the event of someone needing resuscitation, quick detection of cardiac arrest and the early use of the AED’s greatly increases the chances of a successful recovery so we are delighted to have this equipment available.”

Jim Logue, chairman of NLL, added: “With our sports centres being used by so many people and open in the evenings and at weekends for community and sports activities, having readily accessible AED unit nearby could play a crucial role in helping to save lives at these locations.”

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