Renfrewshire councillors have unanimously backed plans aimed at improving public awareness of defibrillators and identifying any gaps in provision across the area.
The motion, brought forward by Councillors Robert Innes and Stephen Burns, was approved at the latest meeting of Full Council at Renfrewshire Council.
It builds on previous work which has seen defibrillators installed across Renfrewshire’s school estate as well as in council facilities, leisure venues and community buildings.
Speaking during the meeting, Councillor Innes said the focus should now be on ensuring people know where defibrillators are located and can access them quickly in an emergency.
He said: “A defibrillator can only save a life if people know where it is and can access it, because every second counts in such situations.”
The motion also calls for consideration of how gaps in provision are identified, particularly in villages and smaller communities, and whether information about publicly accessible defibrillators can be made easier for residents to find.
Councillor Burns, who seconded the motion, spoke of his personal experience after losing his father to a heart attack at the age of 56.
He told councillors: “Every time I pass one of these in a school fence, I wonder to myself, had that been there then, would it have saved his life? The chances are that it probably would have.”
During the debate, Provost Lorraine Cameron encouraged residents to learn CPR and how to use defibrillators, drawing on her experience as a former first aid trainer.
Councillor Andy Doig highlighted previous work to ensure school pupils receive defibrillator training, while Councillor Eddie Devine said he believed every health centre should have access to one.
Councillors from across the chamber backed the proposal.
The motion instructs council officers to work with partners to improve awareness of publicly accessible defibrillators, review how coverage is assessed across Renfrewshire and identify any opportunities to strengthen access to the life-saving devices.