Family of teen who died suddenly donate defibs to Nairn Police
Alex Garrow was just 19 when she passed away from sudden heart failure
Last updated 5th Jul 2022
Highland police officers have been given mobile defibrillators following a fundraiser from the family of a teenager who died suddenly.
Alex Garrow passed away from Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) in February 2021.
Officers were first on the scene, but with the nearest ambulance 30 minutes and without a defib, they were unable to save the 19-year-old.
Five devices will be carried in marked police vehicles operating out of Nairn Police Station as a result of the family’s fundraising.
'We just found her lying unconscious' - Beth Garrow
Alex's parents David and Yvonne Garrow were in attendance to hand over the equipment to officers.
Alex's sister Beth was also there as she led the campaign to provide officers with the specialist kit.
She said: "We had just found her lying on her bed unconscious, no particular reason. So I called for an ambulance, we were on hold though as there were other cardiac arrests.
"We had to wait quite a while in order for a defib to arrive along with emergency services.
"That's valuable time to save a life. I decided I wanted to put them in police cars.
"You’re more likely to save a life the sooner you have one."
Beth also outlined how officers felt "helpless" without the kit.
She said "I am left wondering whether earlier access to a defibrillator would have led to a different outcome for Alex and our family that evening.
"I hope that with providing defibrillators lives can be saved and families will not go through such heartache like we are.
"When you’re waiting on an ambulance you’re not the only one waiting, they’re waiting with you and they feel helpless.
"Whereas, if they have something which can help then it makes the situation better."
Officers "extremely grateful to Garrow family
Among those present at the handover yesterday were Constable Karen Kerr and Constable Lyndsay Farrelly who were the first on scene and provided CPR to Alex.
Chief Inspector Jen Valentine said: "We are extremely grateful to the Garrow family for their generous donation of this life-saving equipment which will now be utilised by officers operating in the Nairn area.
"Our officers have received training to prepare for the introduction of defibrillators and we look forward and working closely in partnership with ambulance staff to provide enhanced medical aid if required at the scene of serious incidents."