A new machine installed at Cumnock fire station has the potential to save lives, according to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Station Commander Kevin Rennie.

The Cumnock community recently benefitted from the installation of a defibrillator at the station on Glaisnock Street.

Around 70 people each week in Scotland experience cardiac arrest, but currently, only one in ten survive.

The use of a defibrillator, particularly within the early stages of a cardiac arrest, dramatically increases the chances of survival.

READ MORE: Man denies repeatedly kicking couple on the head and body in Mauchline 'assault'

SFRS, in collaboration with East Ayrshire Council and Robertson FM, assisted with the procurement and installation of the device as part of its drive to improve survival rates from cardiac arrest within the local area.

The device has been installed within one of the special cabinets on the outside of Cumnock Community Fire Station, meaning it can now be accessed 24/7 by any member of the public in an emergency.

As well as helping to provide the defibrillator, the local crew at Cumnock will also be providing a training input on the use of this vital life saving equipment.

This will be undertaken on Tuesday, October 3 and 10 at 7pm at the station. Members of the public will learn what to do in an emergency and see a demonstration of the defibrillator in use.

READ MORE: Half of Ayrshire fire engines 'unable to respond to emergencies'

Station commander Kevin Rennie, from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “When someone is in cardiac arrest their heart has stopped working normally, without intervention, they could die within minutes.

"As a service, our primary aim is to save life, within a variety of emergency situations.

"I am delighted that through collaborative working between SFRS, East Ayrshire Council and Robertson FM we have achieved a further vital life saving resource being provided within our community.

"Whilst performing CPR can be a daunting prospect, we know that if someone nearby can start CPR while the ambulance is on its way, their chances of surviving dramatically improve.

"These new defibrillators work fantastically, are automated and actually talk you through operational instructions to save a life.”

SFRS would urge anyone interested in becoming an on-call firefighter to contact their local station or even visit a station drill night and see what the role is all about.

Cumnock Fire Station drill night is every Tuesday, running from 6.30pm until 9.30pm.

Further information is also available on the SFRS website.