A LIFE-SAVING device has been unveiled in Alloa last week and is available in a cardiac arrest emergency.

The public access automated external defibrillator (AED) was unveiled along with its heated cabinet on the walls of Alloa Old People's Welfare Club.

Anna Forbes, chair of the Alloa Old People's Welfare Committee, has been a driving force behind the initiative to put the device in place.

She was joined on the day of the unveiling, on Wednesday April 28, by Rosa Orlandi, treasurer at Friends of Greenfield, deputy lord-lieutenant Margaret Paterson and more.

Anna Forbes said: "I'm feeling great that we've got it up; we've raised and the British Heart Foundation gave us match-funding."

She was glad to have been able to add to the growing number of such devices in the Wee County with a handful of defibrillators now easily accessible in the town centre of Alloa and further afield.

The device at the Erskine Street building could save a life when a person collapses and stops breathing.

It is hoped it will never have to be used, but it is registered should the need arise.

In case of a cardiac arrest emergency, people should call 999 immediately and will be directed to the nearest AED.

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

Also joining the unveiling party on the day was a British Heart Foundation (BHF) representative, as the good cause supported the drive to put the defibrillator in place by matching the money raised by volunteers.

James Jopling, head of BHF Scotland, said: "We're delighted that people in and around Alloa have joined the BHF's Nation of Lifesavers by making a public access defibrillator available at the Old People's Welfare Hall in the town.

"There are around 3,200 cardiac arrests outside of hospital each year in Scotland but sadly just one in 10 people survive.

"Someone immediately performing CPR and having a defibrillator in an easily accessible place can really make the difference between life and death."