St John Scotland expanding access to defibrillators in Glasgow’s highest-need communities

St John Scotland is expanding access to life-saving defibrillators across Glasgow as part of a wider initiative aimed at improving emergency response in communities facing the greatest health inequalities.

The project will see public access defibrillators placed in high-need areas across the city, helping ensure that more people have access to vital equipment in the event of a cardiac arrest. Early access to defibrillation and CPR significantly increases the chances of survival, particularly in the crucial minutes before emergency services arrive.

The first nine PADs are being installed in Queens Cross Housing Association, with the installations sponsored by the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren. Alongside the equipment, local residents will receive training to ensure they feel confident and empowered to act in an emergency.

The project has been made possible through a generous legacy gift to the Crichton Fund, enabling St John Scotland to target investment where it can have the greatest impact.

The cabinets were installed free of charge by WrightKerr All Trades Ltd, supporting the project as part of an ongoing partnership with Queens Cross Housing Association.

Alongside the equipment, St John Scotland will deliver community training in CPR and the use of defibrillators to ensure local residents and staff feel confident responding to a cardiac emergency. Training sessions will be announced soon, with residents encouraged to take part.

Barri Millar, Chief Operating Officer at St John Scotland, said: “Access to defibrillators and the confidence to use them can make a life-saving difference. Through this initiative we are working with partners to ensure life-saving equipment is available within communities where it can have the greatest impact, while also giving people the skills they need to act in an emergency.”

The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, said; “I’m delighted to welcome these publicly available defibrillators into communities across Glasgow. For too many of our residents, especially in areas facing the greatest health inequalities, access to emergency equipment can mean the difference between life and death. This initiative from St John Scotland will give people not only the tools they need in an emergency, but also the confidence and training to use them.”

Shona Stephen, Chief Executive of Queens Cross Housing Association, said: “We’re proud to be part of this initiative. Having defibrillators located within the community, alongside proper training, could be the difference between life and death. This project shows what’s possible when organisations work together to tackle inequality and put people first.”

Further installations are planned as the programme continues to expand across Glasgow.