Scottish dental practices to receive defibrillator equipment

The Scottish government has confirmed that all NHS dental practices in Scotland will have life-saving defibrillator equipment installed through a new million-pound scheme.

It will ensure almost 1,000 more defibrillators will be placed in public spaces, maximising the chances of survival for people who suffer heart attacks in the community. The machines will also be mapped on to the Scottish Ambulance Service control system.

More than 1,500 Scots died last year after suffering a cardiac arrest outside of hospital. Presently, only five percent of people who have a cardiac arrest in the community survive, with their chances of experiencing a positive outcome falling every minute they are left untreated.

Michael Matheson, Scotland's minister for public health, said: "There are almost 1,000 NHS dental practices in the centre of Scottish communities. By giving them this equipment, we are providing 1,000 more chances to save a life."

This comes after the government confirmed last month that Scottish dentists will receive a one percent increase in earnings during the 2014/15 business year.