Retailers and suppliers have been urged to step up to save local lives as part of a new campaign organised by the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF), which will see 24-hour accessible defibrillators placed in or near convenience stores across Scotland.
The initiative, which has already gained support from some of the country’s leading convenience retailers, is a collaboration between SGF, interfaith co-ordination group Saltire & Alam and St Andrew’s First Aid charity. The aim is to raise awareness of the lack of defibrillators in deprived areas of Scotland and highlight the opportunity for local retailers to help.
The scheme was announced by Baba’s Kitchen owner and SGF National Executive member, Abdul Majid MBE, at the SGF Conference last Wednesday (1st October). He will shortly be installing a defibrillator at his store in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, as well as offering CPR training at a local bowling club for between 500 and 1,000 people.
Anand Cheema of Fresh in Falkirk Costcutter; Keith Fernie of David’s Kitchen; and Greens Retail boss Harris Aslam have also agreed to install the life-saving equipment.
The cost of a defibrillator is between £1,000 and £1,500, plus VAT, but Abdul is hopeful of securing a campaign sponsor, which would enable retailers to access the equipment at a discounted price.
In addition, SGF aims to help organise CPR training via St Andrew’s First Aid at minimal cost if retailers who purchase the kit can source a local venue to host the training.
“Heart attacks that take place outside often happen in deprived areas,” Abdul told SLR, claiming that it was “a lottery” as to whether or not an area had defibrillator provision. “With convenience shops at the heart of most communities, this [campaign] is our way of showing that we want to support customers in their time of need.”
He added: “Let’s make this a success and save lives across Scotland.”
He is hoping to have 10 retailers on board by St Andrew’s Day (30th November) and plans to push the Scottish Government for funding support.
Interested retailers and suppliers can email Abdul at umaraisha@aol.com for further details.
