You may have noticed a fit and healthy Bernard Gallacher on television this year at the British Open in Hoylake and more recently at the Ryder Cup in Gleneagles on media duty for BBC Radio as he followed and commented on outstanding play.

You may or may not be aware that Bernard suffered a near fatal cardiac arrest while doing a speech in an Aberdeen hotel in August 2013. Only swift medical intervention and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) saved his life. Bernard is on record as saying he was medically dead and that his heart had stopped and been revived three times by an AED.

Earlier this year the Bernard Gallacher Defibrillator Campaign was brought to the attention of the Committee. The main focus of this campaign is to install life saving defibrillators in every golf club in the UK.

The Committee has purchased an AED machine and this defibrillator is now located on the wall within the main clubhouse entrance vestibule.

It is recommended that upon the symptoms of a cardiac arrest the following steps are taken:-

• Call 999 – commence CPR – locate and use an AED
• Locate the AED in a 24/7 accessible area, i.e. on the wall inside the entrance vestibule.
• No training is required to be able to use an AED
• The AED will guide the user through the process
• The AED will analyse the heart’s rhythm and will only deliver a shock if needed.

The Committee recognise that awareness for members on the practicalities of how to use the AED machine will be necessary and the following steps should maximise our understanding:-

• There is a DVD, which can be borrowed from Lisa and returned.
• All members are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the location.
• If on a P.C. and you want to see a video showing how easy it is to use the AED click  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uhZPzvyu10

In order to raise awareness more, there is a new poster on the wall of the lounge and signage will also be improved to highlight the location of the device.

We sincerely hope that this is the one piece of equipment at the club that we never have to use, but, as was the case for Bernard Gallacher, it may also turn out to be the most important piece of equipment that we have ever purchased.

Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the AED –  it could be a lifesaver!