We recently teamed up with St John Scotland to install the first solar and wind-powered Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) in Scotland at our Baron's Haugh nature reserve in Motherwell.
As well as being an incredible technological advancement, this project is also a deeply meaningful tribute to two people who have left a profound impact on the local community: Stephen Owen and Karen Galloway. Stephen managed the nature reserve between 2012 – 2016 and sadly died from cardiac arrest in 2017, and Karen was the wife of long-term volunteer Andrew. She passed away from cardiac arrest in 2023. Stephen and Karen are both dearly missed.
As Baron’s Haugh warden David Anderson, explains, “Stephen and Karen are both very special people to us. Stephen’s kindness and warmth is still talked about by people who knew him, and he made a huge contribution to protecting this nature reserve. We also want to recognise the contribution of Karen’s family who dedicated their time to protecting Baron’s Haugh over the past decade. I hope we never have to use this defibrillator, but it is such a comfort to know it is there and ready to be used by anyone who needs to help in an emergency situation.”
A conversation about defibrillator accessibility at other RSPB reserves, led to the idea of placing a PAD at Baron’s Haugh, despite the challenge of no existing electricity supply. In Scotland, approximately 70 individuals suffer a cardiac arrest weekly, with survival rates currently at one in ten. St John Scotland, in partnership with Save a Life for Scotland (SALFS), is committed to improving these statistics by supplying PADs and offering free CPR and defibrillator awareness sessions. The Baron’s Haugh installation reflects this mission, with awareness sessions being planned for the local community, our staff, volunteers, and visitors to ensure everyone is prepared in the event of a cardiac emergency.
Marking the installation of the PAD Stephen's family said, “We are very moved by the RSPB and St John Scotland including a memorial to Stephen in the installation of the defibrillator and to know that he is still remembered fondly from his time working at Baron’s Haugh. The innovative use of renewable energy to power the heating system for the defibrillator is particularly appropriate given Stephen’s dedication to environmental issues.”
Deborah McKinnon, St John Scotland’s Delivery Officer, said: “I am incredibly excited and inspired by this project. It's thrilling to see St John Scotland introduce innovative technology that can help save lives, even in Scotland’s most remote areas. Knowing that the absence of an electricity supply no longer hinders our ability to safeguard our communities is truly reassuring. Coupled with our free CPR and defibrillator awareness sessions, this initiative empowers our communities to unite and take care of one another.”
Stephen’s partner Katie added, "I never got to visit RSPB Baron's Haugh with Stephen, but he told me a lot about this special place for nature and for people. Obviously we all hope the defibrillator isn't required, but knowing that Stephen's death might save someone else's life gives me, and I'm sure many others, a sense of peace. Heartfelt thanks to all involved in making this happen."
We are delighted that St John Scotland, with financial backing and logistical support from their partners, took on this project. Deborah McKinnon collaborated with Turtle Engineering to overcome the power supply issue by incorporating innovative solar and wind technology to ensures the defibrillator remains operational in all weather conditions. Turtle, based in Rugby, England, travelled to Motherwell to install the cabinet, while WelMedical generously donated the defibrillator itself. St John Scotland member Liam Hackett CStJ played a crucial role in raising additional funds for the project.
The official unveiling ceremony was attended by representatives from St John Scotland, RSPB Scotland, and Stephen and Karen’s families.
Find out more about learning life saving skills here https://www.savealife.scot/
All photos provided by St John Ambulance.