Scottish Parliament team up with St John Scotland to install new Public Access Defibrillator

The Scottish Parliament has partnered with St John Scotland to install a new Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) outside the public entrance to the Parliament building.

Every year, over 3000 people in Scotland suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, an event which is fatal unless CPR and defibrillation are started by bystanders within minutes. The installation provides 24 /7 access for the public 365 days a year to the PAD. 

The Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament said: “We’re pleased to partner with St John Scotland to give the public access to a defibrillator outside the Parliament building. “Evidence shows the chances of survival from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest can be increased two-to threefold by the immediate provision of bystander CPR and defibrillation so this is a very positive step which can help save lives.” 

Barri Millar, Chief Operating Officer, St John Scotland said: “St John Scotland is proud to support the Scottish Parliament with a new Public Access Defibrillator. We are committed to strengthening community resilience across Scotland and ensuring lifesaving equipment is accessible in every community. “Together with our 'Save a Life for Scotland' partners, we continue to expand CPR awareness and increase access to defibrillators — helping save lives across the country.”