RESIDENTS in a Hillfoots town can now rely on a third life-saving public access device in cardiac arrest emergencies.

A defibrillator and cabinet have been installed at The Cochranes on Croftshaw Road in Alva, following a suggestion by a resident on the street.

It is the third such device to be installed in the town in recent years.

Alva Development Trust had a defibrillator and cabinet placed on the walls of the Cochrane Hall on the other end of town in August.

And the town's first life-saving automated external defibrillator (AED) has been in place at Alva Parish Church since October 2018.

It was not long after the unveiling of the first device that Margie Knox, one of the residents at The Cochranes, suggested to the directors of The Cochrane Foundation that they should also install one for community use.

With the aid of a grant from the British Heart Foundation, the idea turned into reality this month, slightly delayed by the coronavirus lockdown.

Margie was delighted to unveil the defibrillator and cabinet with Martin Dunsmore, chairman of the foundation (pictured).

The device, which could save a life when a person collapses and stops breathing, is on the east wall of The Cochrane Foundation's Social Centre on Croftshaw Road.

Lesley Dawson, one of the directors at the foundation, said: "We are just delighted to be able to do this, supported by the British Heart Foundation, to install the defibrillator."

It is hoped the device will never have to be used, but it is registered with the Scottish Ambulance Service, should the need arise.

In case of a cardiac arrest emergency, people should call 999 immediately and will be directed to the nearest AED – with three available across Alva.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a vital skill which needs to be employed when the defibrillator, which gives instructions, is put to use.

Therefore, there are hopes to hold training sessions for interested residents, once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

The Cochrane Foundation was established through the generosity of the three Cochrane brothers – James, Charles and John – who were born in Alva and emigrated with their parents to America in 1865.

They had much success in business but never forgot their roots and returned to visit Alva on occasions.

Their generosity and kindness established The Cochrane Foundation to support those in need in the town.

They also gifted the Cochrane Hall and Park to the residents along with a donation to Alva Academy.