Equipment donation to Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance from Keirans Legacy

Keirans Legacy, a charity dedicated to saving lives through the provision of vital first response equipment, is supporting Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance in its life-saving work.

Keirans Legacy, set up by parents Sandra and Gordon McKandie from Elgin following the tragic death of their child five years ago, has donated key resources to SCAA including a training defibrillator and medical infusion devices.

Sandra and Gordon visited the charity's Aberdeen base to learn of the vital role the donated kit plays in both training crew and treating patients.

Paramedic team leader Ewan Littlejohn said the equipment provided by Keirans Legacy was in almost constant use by the emergency crews.

"The training defibrillator is a valuable tool to use in coaching scenarios and doesn't interfere with our frontline kit that stands ready for any fast response," he said.

"The infusion pumps are another key piece of equipment - vital when transferring medical patients," added Ewan. "The donation from Keirans Legacy will help us care for many more patients in the future and we're extremely grateful for this generous support."

Sandra, who has been in nursing for over 30 years, is well aware of the value of a service such as SCAA.

"Getting trained people with the right equipment to the scene of an illness or accident as quickly as possible saves lives," she said, "and Keirans Legacy is helping ensure that the nearest resource is deployed to an emergency with the essential kit to make a difference.

"Neither life-saving equipment nor trained staff were nearby when Keiran had his accident and we vowed to dedicate a charity in his name which would work to fund training and kit in a bid to ensure others would have a fighting chance of survival," said Sandra.

Since launching, Keirans Legacy has funded over 100 defibrillators for communities and frontline responders, as well as providing life-saving training to more than 1600 people.

"We have also saved the lives of eight people which is priceless," said Sandra.

The charity is also supporting other responders through well-being projects.

"Keiran was 16-years-old when he was involved in a fatal accident and we know he would have supported the work of SCAA," said Sandra. "Through these donations, Keirans Legacy is affecting change, saving lives and ensuring that Keiran remains part of our society and that he is not forgotten."

For further information on Keirans Legacy, just click here.

Sandra and Gordon McKandie of Keirans Legacy with SCAA's Aberdeen-based Helimed 79 crew (from left) Paramedic James Cursiter, Pilot Captain John Stupart and Paramedic Team Leader Ewan Littlejohn.