A north-east trailer company has installed defibrillators across part of its fleet of lorries.
The live-saving devices can be found in five of the tractor units used by Fraserburgh-based Gray and Adams.
The defibrillators can now be used by the firm’s drivers who regularly deliver goods between the port and other areas of the UK in an emergency.
Every trucker has been trained how to use the machines properly in the event of someone suffering a cardiac arrest.
The machine gives a high-energy electric shock which is often essential to use in a medical emergency before paramedics arrive.
The firm already has three defibrillators based at its South Road plant and joint managing director James Gray believed it would also be useful to buy some for their fleet of lorries.
He said: “My trucks are running up and down the road regularly to different destinations.
“They could come across a road accident or anything like that, you just never know.
“The drivers are quite happy and feel it is a good idea. One of them is a retained fire fighter and sees the logic in it.”
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Last night, north-east Conservative MSP Peter Chapman welcomed the scheme and praised Gray and Adams for the “forward-thinking” project.
He said the decision to fit out lorry cabs with defibrillators could prove to be vital.
Mr Chapman said: “This is a great initiative.
“The Gray and Adams drivers, who travel up and down the country, have all been trained on how to operate these machines.
“If they come across an accident, they will be fully equipped to lend a hand.
“That could be the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.
“Gray and Adams should be applauded for this innovative and forward-thinking development.”
