Fifteen of Glasgow's black cabs to carry defibrillators
The new initiative has seen 15 drivers trained in the use of the electronic devices to help them deal with any incidents of cardiac arrest.
Last updated 15th Jan 2019
Glasgow Taxis Ltd has introduced 15 defibrillators to vehicles operating on the city’s streets.
The new initiative has seen 15 drivers trained in the use of the electronic devices to help them deal with any incidents of cardiac arrest in or near to their cabs, as well as increasing the number accessible for the public.
Glasgow Taxis Ltd, which is the largest taxi firm in the UK outside London, said it was a continuation of their policy to give back to Glasgow and make a positive contribution to Scotland’s biggest city.
Stephen Flynn, Chairman of Glasgow Taxis Ltd, said: “Quite simply, this is what we do. We don’t just drive taxis and take people from A to B, we are committed to giving back whether that’s through charitable support, fundraising events or this latest initiative.’’
The company is working in partnership with Defib Machines, a company which also includes Mercedes-Benz, Britvic and DHL among its customers says it will roll out more defibrillators to further vehicles should the initiative prove a success.
One driver who now has a defibrillator in his taxi is Stephen Lalley, who previously suffered from heart problems himself. He said: “I was thinking about it when we got our training, quite often when we pick people up on a dark night and in the rain they’ll say to us: ‘Aw driver, yer a lifesaver’ - well that phrase could take on a whole new meaning now. I think it’s a brilliant idea and we’re all very proud to represent an organisation which wants to help the people of its city in ways such as this.”
Glasgow Taxis Ltd has been providing a range of training including first aid in recent years and has aiming to continue this in 2019 to support all its drivers including those 15 now with defibrillators in vehicles.
“When someone has a cardiac arrest every second counts and evidence shows that an individual is considerably more likely to survive discharge from hospital, and with favourable outcomes, if shocked by a bystander rather than having to wait for an ambulance.’’ Said David McColgan, Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager for BHF Scotland.