Life-saving defibrillators and bleed control kits have been installed at 15 Nationwide branches across Scotland.
The equipment has been fitted as part of the building society's commitment to install emergency equipment at all 605 of its UK branches by the end of the year, in what is believed to be the country's largest combined rollout of its kind.
Nationwide Tooting branch (Image: Supplied)
The publicly accessible defibrillators and bleed control kits are available 24 hours a day where possible and are housed in external cabinets to ensure they can be accessed quickly during an emergency.
Virgin Money branches are also set to take part in the programme.
The initiative is being delivered in partnership with Visa, while St John Ambulance is providing life-saving training for Nationwide colleagues and local communities.
Employees across Nationwide's Scottish branches have the opportunity to complete first aid training covering CPR, the use of defibrillators and responding to severe bleeding incidents.
The organisation is also supporting community training through volunteer-led "Heart of Community" sessions, helping more people develop the confidence to respond in an emergency.
Research commissioned by Nationwide found 88% of people in Scotland would feel safer knowing life-saving equipment was available in their local community.
However, only 18% said they would feel very confident using a defibrillator.
Since the UK-wide rollout began in June, 48 of the newly installed defibrillators have already been used.
Scottish branches now equipped with the devices include East Kilbride, Glenrothes, Shawlands, Ayr, Livingston, Paisley, Rosyth, Motherwell, Irvine, Kilmarnock, Dumfries, Galashiels, Perth, St Andrews and Stirling.
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Mandy Beech, director of retail services at Nationwide, said: "Our research shows people in Scotland value having local access to life-saving equipment, but many wouldn't feel confident using it in an emergency.
"That's why we're not just installing defibrillators and bleed kits.
"Every Nationwide branch colleague in Scotland has the opportunity to receive first-aid training, and we're working with St John Scotland to help more people gain the skills that could help save a life."
Professor Andrew Hartle, chief medical officer at St John Ambulance, said: "Every minute counts in an emergency, and having access to a defibrillator or bleed control kit can make a vital difference before the ambulance service arrives.
"By increasing the availability of this life-saving equipment and giving more people the confidence to use it, we can help communities be better prepared to respond when it matters most.
"We're proud to be working with Nationwide and Visa on an initiative that is helping put the power of first aid into more people's hands."
Jenny Young, MSP for Central Scotland Lothians West, said: "Following my recent visit to Nationwide Livingston, I've been really impressed by the ways James and his branch team are supporting people in the local community.
"The installation of defibrillators and bleed kits at the branch can only be a good thing for the area and I am sure it will help increase people's awareness of their purpose, and their life-saving potential."
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