Family tragedy inspires help for others at Crofthead
The tragic and sudden death of a beloved husband, son and brother has inspired a Livingston family to ensure help is available for others.
Steven Carrie was a long-serving and well-respected employee of Sky at Kirkton Campus, and was only 34 when he died two years ago following a cardiac arrest whilst on a family holiday in The Peak District. Not having quicker access to emergency medical support was a key factor in his passing and that has inspired his family to donate a defibrillator for community use at Crofthead Community Centre in Templar Rise, Livingston.
A defibrillator is a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest. This high energy shock is called defibrillation, and it's an essential part in trying to save the life of someone who's in cardiac arrest. A defibrillator may also be called a defib.
Mr Carrie's family unveiled the new defibrillator at Crofthead last week.
In a poignant gesture, the defibrillator is located in sight of the family's former home in Templar Rise, where Steven lived growing up for 20 years, and can be seen from his former bedroom.
The family simply want to ensure that emergency help is on hand should somebody need it in future.
The family has worked with West Lothian Council to install the life saving device and ensure that it is easy to access should it be needed in an emergency. The council has ensured the defib is easy to access, with lighting installed above the defibrillator, the power supply to the cabinet in place and the area in front of the defib is now concreted. The council is also undertaking work to ensure all defibrillators in West Lothian are promoted via national websites, such as the British Heart Foundation.
The management committee have registered the defib at Crofthead with the appropriate body so it is registered and can be found online.
Andrew Carrie, Steven's dad, explains: "We are absolutely delighted that the defibrillator has been installed in tribute to Steven.
"Whilst it's dedicated in honour of Steven's memory, it has a very real purpose and it is there to be used by someone in need. Even if it only helps one person, it will be worth having it installed.
"I'd like to thank the council and management committee for their support in helping us make this possible. I would also like to acknowledge Steven's former employer, Sky, as they too have been amazing."
