Tag: St John Scotland

St John Scotland unveils 300th Public Access Defibrillator in Edinburgh

St John Scotland has unveiled its 300th Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) in Edinburgh city centre, marking a major milestone in the charity’s work to improve access to lifesaving equipment across the city. 

The defibrillator was officially unveiled by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh during Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June 2026), a fitting moment to recognise the dedication and commitment of St John Scotland’s Edinburgh volunteers, whose efforts help make communities in the city safer every day. St John Scotland is now working with the local area to identify the best location for it.

PADs play a crucial role in improving survival rates from out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrest. Having a defibrillator nearby, and people confident enough to use it, can make the difference between life and death while emergency services are on their way. For every PAD St John Scotland help place, volunteers provide CPR and defibrillator training to the hosts.

The installation of the 300th defibrillator in Edinburgh reflects years of sustained effort by St John Scotland volunteers in the city, working alongside local partners, communities and supporters to identify gaps in provision and help make lifesaving equipment more accessible.

The unveiling also recognised the long‑standing support of Mike Pinkerton, whose work with St John Scotland has raised over £20,000 to support the expansion of community lifesaving initiatives across Edinburgh.

The Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, said: “This impressive milestone is a testament to the power of community action and the incredible long-standing support for St John Scotland.

“Reaching 300 Public Access Defibrillators across Edinburgh is a fantastic achievement that the city can be truly proud of. It reflects the dedication and generosity of volunteers, partners, and supporters who give their time to help protect lives in their communities. Across the city St John Scotland public access defibrillators have been used to save lives.”

“I hope this success inspires even more organisations and community groups to get involved and explore hosting a Public Access Defibrillator at their building. “

John Craig, Edinburgh Chair of St John Scotland, said: “Reaching 300 Public Access Defibrillators in Edinburgh is a huge milestone for us, but it’s one that simply wouldn’t be possible without our amazing volunteers.

“From installing and maintaining defibrillators to delivering training and raising awareness in their communities and much more, their commitment saves lives every day. It’s especially fitting to celebrate this during Volunteers’ Week.”

Mike Pinkerton said: “I know how lucky I am to still be here and to be able to do my bit for such a worthwhile cause. I’m also lucky to have had such great support from St John Scotland and their incredible team of volunteers.

“Of course, we hope these defibrillators are never needed but the truth is they will be and, when they are, we know we’re giving someone suffering a cardiac arrest the best possible chance of survival.”

St John Scotland’s volunteers give thousands of hours each year to support communities across Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland, delivering essential CPR education, transporting vulnerable patients to and from vital treatment and helping to build confidence in lifesaving skills.

With the support of existing host organisations across the city, St John Scotland has been able to expand access to lifesaving equipment in local communities. The charity is aiming to inspire more businesses, community groups and local organisations to host future defibrillators.

The charity continues to work towards its goal of safer, more resilient communities, ensuring that defibrillators are not only available, but visible, accessible and supported by training.

All registered PADs can be found at https://www.defibfinder.uk/

St John Scotland is encouraging people across Edinburgh to consider placing a PAD in their local area. Find out more at: 

https://www.stjohnscotland.org.uk/public-access-defibrillators

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

The Scottish Parliament has installed a new Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) outside the public entrance to the Parliament building.

The installation is a collaboration between The Scottish Parliament and St John Scotland.

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.”

Cruden donates £2,500 to St John Scotland

Five-star homebuilder Cruden has donated £2,500 to St John Scotland through its charitable arm, the Cruden Foundation, supporting the charity’s vital work in providing Public Access Defibrillators, CPR awareness, and patient transport services across the country.

The charity’s work helps ensure people throughout Scotland have access to life-saving equipment and support when it matters most.

Cruden’s donation will help the organisation continue expanding access to defibrillators and CPR within local communities, equipping more people with the skills and confidence needed to act in an emergency.

Fraser Lynes, CEO of Cruden, said: “This is a cause close to all of our hearts. Earlier this year, one of our assistant site managers was very thankfully saved by the use of an on-site defibrillator when suffering from cardiac arrest.

“It highlighted the importance of having lifesaving defibrillators and trained CPR providers on sites, making all the difference in an emergency.

“Supporting St John Scotland allows us to give back to the communities we build in and help ensure others have the same chance of receiving timely, life-saving support.”

Barri Millar, Chief Operating Officer of St John Scotland, said: “We are very grateful for Cruden’s generous donation. The services we provide to install and support community defibrillators across the country offer vital equipment that, in an emergency, can truly mean the difference between life and death.

“Cruden’s contribution will help us expand this essential work even further, ensuring more people have access to life-saving equipment and the confidence to use it. We are truly thankful for their support.”

The Cruden Foundation is a private charitable funder established in 1957 and is part of Cruden’s wider commitment to supporting the communities where it lives and works. To date, the Cruden Foundation has donated more than £8 million and supports over 150 charities each year, helping organisations make a meaningful difference to people’s lives throughout the country.