SUPERMARKET giants Tesco are installing defibrillators in its Irvine store.

The Tesco Extra in Riverway Retail Park and eight others in Ayrshire
are amongst the 907 stores which will now introduce the life-saving devices.

Statistics from the British Heart Foundation show that over 30,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital in the UK every year, but less than one in 10 survive. 

For every minute without CPR and defibrillation, a person’s chance of survival decreases by around ten percent. 

As well as Irvine, Tesco stores in Saltcoats, Kilbirnie, Kilmarnock (home to three stores), Ayr, Auchinleck and Galston will provide defibrillator treatment joining 109 across Scotland.

Tony Hoggett, Tesco UK Chief Operating Officer said: “We are always looking for ways to help the communities we serve, and we know that having a defibrillator to hand can mean saving the life of someone suffering a cardiac
arrest. 

“This initiative has the potential to make a real difference to customers and colleagues all over the country.”

Sara Askew, BHF Head of Survival, said: “If you have a cardiac arrest in the UK today you have just a one in 10 chance of survival.

“More people could be saved if more people had the skills and confidence to perform CPR and more defibrillators were available and accessible in public places.”

She added: “We are delighted that Tesco is supporting BHF’s Nation of Lifesavers campaign
by making public access defibrillators available in all its larger stores. 

“Knowing vital CPR skills and having access to a defibrillator can often be the difference between life and death.” 

Tesco is working to improve the health of the nation through its partnership with Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation.

The partnership supports new initiatives that will help people lead healthier, longer and more active lives.