AFTER over two weeks of fine early summer weather, the heavens unfortunately opened for the official unveiling of The Garnock Valley First Responders Public Access Defibrillator and Fun-Day.

However, the spirit of the group was not dampened by the wet conditions as they marked this special occasion.

The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is located on the wall outside Curves on Kings Road, Beith, and is available 24/7 in the case of an emergency.

The aim of this AED is to strengthen the Chain of Survival in Beith. When someone’s heart stops beating, every second counts! Starting CPR early and using a defibrillator greatly increases the chances of that person surviving.

The day was well attended despite the weather and there was plenty to see and do. There was a bouncy castle and face painting for the younger ones (and some older ones) not to mention hot dogs, doughnuts, juice, crisps and biscuits. Also present was a vehicle from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Heritage Trust, as well as three units from the Scottish Ambulances’ Specialised Operations Response Team (SORT).

SORT is based at Linwood and are the services ‘go to guys’, they provide a specialised emergency response to major incidents across Scotland. This might involve hazardous materials or incidents, challenging and hazardous environments or where the level of risk is extremely high. By using the very latest technology and equipment, the Special Operation Team works very closely with other emergency services across Scotland, to ensure that they can get the very best care to patient, regardless of where they are. They took the time to explain their role and show off some of their equipment and vehicles.

At 12.30pm there was the official unveiling ceremony, when the group coordinator, James Waite, said a few words before asking Joanna McNeill, owner of Curves Beith, on whose building the defibrillator is mounted, to unveil a commemorative plaque. The weather then cleared up for long enough for a few demonstrations and some practice to take place.

The group would like to thank all those who braved the elements to come along. They would also wish to thank all those who donated money towards this project including; Beith Parish Church, Vincent Thomson Charity Trust, and one special local lady who made a significant contribution but wishes to remain anonymous. For the day itself, thanks need to go to; Morrison’s Johnstone, Tesco Kilbirnie, Tunnocks, Booker Irvine. Thanks also to J Quinn and Son Memorials for donating the plaque, and of course to Joanna at Curves Beith, for all their support and for providing the ‘home’ for the new defibrillator.

If you wish to find out more about what the Garnock Valley First Responders do, then visit our new website: gvfirstresponders.co.uk if you would like to join or want to talk to one of the team, email joingvcfr@gmail.com

The club relies on fundraising to meet all of their costs; you can help support the group by making a donation online via www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/garnockvalley