MSP urges Loganair to carry defibrillators

Liam McArthur is urging Loganair to carry defibrillators on their planes.

The Orkney MSP’s call follow media reports and concerns from constituents that Loganair is now one of the few UK airlines that does not carry defibrillators on their aircraft.

A defibrillator is a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart through the chest wall to someone who is in cardiac arrest.

Mr McArthur said: “Seven out of ten of the major airlines in the UK, including British Airways, EasyJet, and Ryanair, carry defibrillators. It is disappointing therefore that Loganair and Flybe appear to be out of step with other UK carriers.

“The position seems all the more unsustainable when one considers that one of the main users of Loganair’s services are patients traveling between the islands and mainland Scotland for treatment and care.

“We know that defibrillators can save lives, but are best used in the first ten minutes of a heart attack. Waiting for an emergency landing can, therefore, be life threatening.

“I have written to Loganair urging them to look at this as a matter of urgency.  I know Loganair takes its responsibilities as a lifeline air service very seriously and I hope, therefore, that a positive resolution can be found in the near future.”