POLICE SCOTLAND SAY they will now review the carrying of lifesaving defibrillators on their traffic vehicles following a six-month trial prompted by the death of a Moray teenager.
Ending this week, the six-month trial was the result of a national campaign by the parents of Keiran McKandie that police vehicles carry the lifesaving equipment.
Gordon and Sandra McKandie determined to ensure the tragic death of their son in a road accident left a legacy that would help avoid a situation where the first emergency service vehicle on the scene may not be able to treat an accident victim.
Fundraising efforts by the couple allowed the purchase of ten defibrillators costing around £1000 each – police officers were trained in their use and deployed throughout the north east. It is known that at least one was used to save the life of a 52-year-old man who was resuscitated after falling ill near Peterhead earlier this year.
Now the couple are seeking an early meeting with Police Scotland to discuss the future of their project, Mrs McKandie saying that it was vitally important her son’s legacy continued to save lives.
“Obviously we do not want to see them removed and we hope that they will continue to be there,” Sandra said, adding: “We are just waiting for the police at the moment – the Scottish Government has been really interested in the trial too, so we will be pushing them on how this goes forward.”
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said that the results of the six month trial were still being collated.