A FUNDRAISING push is set to start in Aberdour to fund ongoing costs – and eventual replacement – of the village's defibrillators.

The two life-saving machines were put in place thanks to community donations and fundraising however cost between £45 and £160 to get back into action after they have been used in an emergency.

Iain Fleming, chairperson of Aberdour Community Council who look after the devices, is hopeful locals will come together in the coming months to help gather cash required to keep them going.

"When we originally raised the money, there was a surplus there to carry on looking after them," he said.

"We have contributed cash over the last few years and they have done good work – they have helped to save people.

"Every time, we need to make sure the pads are fresh and available and all that kind of stuff but it all costs money.

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"There is a lot of tremendous support out there to make sure you can fund defib machines and fundraise for that and a lot of funders for that.

"However when it comes to the ongoing upkeep, that is the cost a lot of people don't know about.

"So far we have been able to do that. We have got limited funds.

"We will always make sure there is money there but the original pot of cash was depleted a while ago."

Iain said the machines – which were both out of service recently because parts needed to be replaced after they had been used – were proving vital to people in Aberdour.

"Nobody is aware of just how busy they are," he said.

"I am the guy who looks after the circuit and that connects all these thing together.

"You update the availability of your machine on the circuit so the ambulance service is aware where one is.

"If you phone 999 with someone unresponsive, they will tell you to go to the defibrillator and give you the code.

"As soon as someone calls up 999 and says I need to access this, it takes it out of service.

"I get an email to say it is not emergency ready then after that we have to go and check it as soon as possible to make sure that it is ok and that the battery is not discharged on the unit and is still functional.

"We need to check the little kit that is in it to make sure that is present and make sure there are pads in the pack that have not been used.

"If that is all ok, you can put it back in to service but if there's something that has been used, you have to replace it.

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"Community organisations like us can access part funding to help support the cost of buying one.

"In the years we have had them, we have seen the price of the pads and batteries go through the roof. I had to replace the pads the other day and that sort of cost is totally unsighted."

Iain is confident the community will rally to help raise the necessary funds.

He added: "I am just wanting to start people thinking about it.

"It will be on the agenda to discuss. We will ask organisations to help, speak to some of the businesses and ask if they will make a contribution and do various fundraising activities.

"Every year we apply for a modest community participation grant from the council. We can hopefully get a bit of money from that.

"Over the time, I am confident we will be able to raise the funds to do that project."