A conversation about a defibrillator application for another RSPB (Royal Society of the Protection of Birds) nature reserve was the beginning of our journey. A quick chat with Ruth Carruthers (Fundraising Manager, RSPB) about why RSPB were placing defibs across Scotland with St John Scotland led me to discover the incredibly moving story of the sudden cardiac arrest which claimed the life of Stephen the former warden of RSPB Baron’s Haugh. “Why not put a defib and cabinet at Baron’s Haugh?” I asked. “There isn’t an electricity supply” was Ruth’s reply.
70 people a week suffer a cardiac arrest in Scotland. Currently the survival rate is one in ten. St John Scotland doesn’t think this is good enough and along with our partners in Save a Life For Scotland (SALFS) are committed to improving survival by supplying Public Access Defibrillators (PADs) and free CPR and defib use awareness sessions across Scotland utilising our incredible army of volunteers.
So, why solar and wind power? Some speedy research showed that our wonderful, sometime dreich Scottish weather doesn’t always provide enough sunshine to heat the defibrillator cabinet during a cold spell. The cold can damage a defibrillator rendering it unusable, so step forward Turtle Engineering who have realised that solar power can’t always be depended on, so have harnessed the power of the wind and the sun. This is the first time this innovative technology has been installed in Scotland and gave me the exact equipment I needed. It also is more than just a technological advancement; it is a symbol of our commitment to the safety and resilience of our communities. It reflects St John Scotland’s dedication to creating a secure environment without any impact to the natural beauty and biodiversity of Barons Haugh, something Stephen was incredibly passionate about.
As we move forward, we hope that this pioneering project at Barons Haugh will serve as a model for other nature reserves and remote locations across Scotland and beyond. The integration of renewable energy sources in life-saving technologies is a powerful reminder of the synergy between conservation and innovation. By harnessing the power of the sun and wind, we are not only protecting our natural environment but also ensuring that we are prepared to protect one another.
In memory of Stephen, the solar and wind powered defibrillator cabinet from Turtle Engineering stands as a lasting legacy of care and readiness. It is a reminder of the fragility of life and the strength of community. As we continue our work at Barons Haugh, we will be providing CPR and Defib awareness sessions provided by our incredible Glasgow Area Committee.
This wonderful project has taken the efforts of the RSPB and St John Scotland working collaboratively in an efforts to protect both the people and the wildlife that make Barons Haugh such a special place. Together, we can ensure that the reserve remains a sanctuary of safety, beauty, and life with a lasting memorial to Stephen’s legacy.
Written by Deborah McKinnon, Service Delivery Officer – PAD and CPR
You can read more about the process of this project here: https://www.stjohnscotland.org.uk/news-events/innovative-solar-and-wind-powered-defibrillator-installed-rspb-barons-haugh-nature
