Troqueer Primary donate lifesaving equipment to make the community safer
The pupils raised enough money to buy two defibrillators.
Last updated 30th Aug 2024
Troqueer Primary pupils are gifting a defibrillator to the community to make the village safer.
A few months ago, a local man died from a cardiac arrest and the kids took it upon themselves to work together to raise funds for the lifesaving equipment.
The two senior year groups of the school, including the new first-year students at high school, organised a bingo night, packed bags at Morrisons, sponsored skip, and other fundraising events to generate enough money to buy a defibrillator for inside the school and one to be installed on the lamppost outside the building for community use.
Stuart Frew, a Troqueer resident, also donated money to the children as it was his father-in-law who passed away.
Frew himself campaigned hard and raised enough money to get the lifesaving machine installed at the community hall.
The pupils even reached out to their local MSP Finlay Carson who spoke with them and helped them with their petition that has been sent off to the Scottish Government.
Niamh from Primary 7 tells us more: “The petition would get talked about in Parliament, and if they agree to it, that will mean that our school has let all other schools in Scotland get a defibrillator which will make them a lot safer.”
Our reporter Ruth Ridley spoke with other senior pupils, and they told her they would be confident to use one in an emergency.
Amelia started off the scenario: “We would run down to Mr McColl’s office because that’s where the defibrillator is kept.”
Jacob added: “You have to expose their chest and rub the two metal bits together. You then shout ‘CLEAR’ and put it on their chest. If they don’t wake up, then you can do it another two times.”
Millie believes that it is important to have a defibrillator close: “It is great having one nearby because someone could go into a cardiac arrest, and you can help save their lives because the nearest one is at the Tow Bar which might be too far in an emergency.”
Bonnie reflected on all their hard work over the last few months: “I’m really proud of everyone, we all did our best and worked really hard. We were all put in different groups, some were in charge of money, and some people did secretary work which involved sending letters and emails and phoning people. Everyone played an important role.”