New cardiac team created for remote rural area

The volunteer group aims to get to the scene of a cardiac arrest before ambulance crews arrive

A new cardiac response team has been set up for a remote part of Galloway.

The 10-strong group will cover the Glenkens area with the aim of getting to the scene in the "vital first few minutes" before an ambulance crew arrives.

Community cardiac responder groups were first introduced in the Grampian area and are said to have proven "highly effective".

The project is part of wider efforts involving the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), Dumfries and Galloway Council and NHS Dumfries and Galloway to help deal with such incidents outside a hospital setting.

Lindsay Stewart, Loch Ken trust manager and Glenkens group founder said: "We are delighted to see the launch of the Glenkens Community Cardiac Responders Group.

"There has been a great show of support from members of the community, and we would like to thank everyone who has come forward and volunteered to be a part of this, helping to build resilience in our remote and rural communities."

Paige Fletcher, SAS cardiac responder development lead, said it had been a privilege to train a group "committed to making a real difference".

"Their enthusiasm and willingness to give their time to support this is truly inspiring," she said.

"By helping to build resilience for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and increasing the chances of survival in remote and rural areas, this group will have a lasting and meaningful impact on their community."