Cardiac arrest defibrillators have been installed in 15 of Glasgow’s taxis. Taxi firm, Glasgow Taxis, has taken on the lifesaving initiative with a new medical trial.

The trial is the first of its kind to be rolled out in Scotland and will see drivers equipped with the life-saving devices during their shift around the city.

The drivers will be fully trained to use them in the event of emergencies and Glasgow Taxis has already put in place a first aid training policy with the aim to highlight their community commitment.

Lifesaving Initiative

Stephen Lally, one of the defibrillator-trained drivers, has previously suffered 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:  ‘Driver, you’re a lifesaver’.  Well, this phrase can 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.”

Plan for More Defibrillators

The taxi firm plans to install even more defibrillators should the initiative prove a success.

Chairman of Glasgow Taxis Ltd, Stephen Flynn, said:  “We don’t just drive taxis and take people from A to B.  We’re committed to giving back whether that’s through charitable support, fundraising events or this latest initiative.

“By introducing 15 potentially life-saving defibrillators to our taxis we’re utilising the very natural willingness of our drivers to help people.  With a test of the benefits of having these machines available in our vehicles.

“It’s a modest outlay which we’ve committed to over a three-year period and if even one machine helps one person in that time, it will have been worth it many times over.”

City’s Positive Contribution

David McColgan, of British Heart Foundation Scotland, said:  “A cardiac arrest is the ultimate medical emergency and every minute without CPR reduces a person’s chance of survival.

“Alongside administrating CPR, the early use of a defibrillator is a key link in the chain of survival.

“This is a positive contribution by Glasgow Taxis.  It will increase the number of defibrillators and their visibility in the city and is a move British Heart Foundation Scotland welcomes as we work towards creating a nation of lifesavers.”