Young footballers - and the rest of the community - are feeling safer thanks to a new debrillator.
Stirling Albion Junior Academy received a defibrillator from the Grassroots Football defibrillator scheme late last year and venue owners Active Stirling have now installed the device.
Research shows that more than 90 per cent of sudden cardiac arrests in young athletes happen either during or immediately after exercise.
The average age of people suffering from a cardiac arrest is between 35 and 44.
But, some younger sportspeople may have an undiagnosed heart condition.
Apart from injuries that are directly related to the sport being played, cardiac arrest is the most common cause of death in young sports people.
Having an automated external defibrillator (AED) close at hand can make all the difference. Research shows that using an AED within three to five minutes of a cardiac arrest can mean survival rates are as high as 50-70 per cent. Many lives have been saved during sporting activities by having an AED present at the time of cardiac arrest.
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Grant Morrice, Junior Academy chairperson, said: “Looking after the health and safety of our players and coaching staff at all times is paramount and this is a vital piece of equipment which could potentially save a life.
“We were lucky enough to receive a defibrillator from the Grassroots Football defibrillator scheme late last year. We approached Active Stirling about locating it at Forthbank and fortunately they were very keen so we funded the cabinet, which was installed this week meaning the defibrillator is accessible to the public 24/7.
“We have registered it with the national defibrillator database, The Circuit, so that ambulance crews and the public can be directed to it in an emergency. We will also be undertaking the routine checking of the unit as part of our community work as we strive towards Scottish FA Platinum Quality Mark status.”
Matthew Bunnell, Active Stirling director of delivery said: “At Active Stirling we are delighted to have this new defibrillator installed at Forthbank to complement the existing unit at The PEAK. Recent high-profile sporting incidents requiring lifesaving defibrillators have brought the importance of this crucial equipment into sharp focus and we hope the addition of this technology to support Forthbank pitch users will give new and existing customers even more confidence to safely participate in sport and physical activity at Stirling Sports Village.”
