Efforts to improve access to defibrillators in North Belfast are underway, driven by local community representative Fiona McCarthy. In a region marked by high rates of coronary heart disease, these life-saving devices are critical during cardiac emergencies. Over the past three years, McCarthy has worked diligently to fund and install defibrillators at key locations throughout the area.
North Belfast has one of the highest incidences of heart attacks in Northern Ireland. Understanding the urgency, McCarthy, who also serves as an auxiliary nurse at Royal Victoria Hospital, has mobilized community support to address this pressing health issue. A defibrillator can significantly increase survival rates from cardiac arrest, rising from approximately 6% to an impressive 70% if deployed within three to five minutes.
Fundraising and Community Support
The first defibrillator in North Belfast was installed outside Coopers Chemist on the Oldpark Road in April 2023, following a community fundraising campaign. This initiative began after a neighbor experienced a medical emergency, highlighting the urgent need for such equipment in the area. McCarthy described the moment: “A neighbour of ours needed it one night, and when 999 was called, they said there was one at the top of Ardoyne, but it was gone.”
Determined to prevent future tragedies, McCarthy and her husband contributed £500 to the cause, and the community rallied to raise the remaining funds necessary for the installation. “The community was very good at chipping in to secure one of these life-saving devices,” she added.
Since the installation, the defibrillator has already proven its value. In one instance, a man collapsed after fainting and severely injured his head. Paramedics instructed bystanders to use the defibrillator, which helped stabilize him until emergency services arrived. Unfortunately, he passed away about a week later, but his organs could be donated, ultimately saving two more lives.
Expanding Life-Saving Resources
Currently, North Belfast is home to five defibrillators, all registered with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. McCarthy receives notifications whenever one is used, allowing her to monitor their impact. Plans are in place to install a sixth defibrillator in the Shankill area by early spring.
In addition to defibrillators, McCarthy has introduced a new bleed kit, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, designed for use in trauma situations such as car accidents or stabbings. Similar to the defibrillator process, individuals can call emergency services to obtain a code for accessing the kit, which contains essential supplies for managing severe bleeding until help arrives. Although the kit has not yet been utilized, McCarthy is committed to raising awareness about its availability.
Reflecting on her community efforts, McCarthy expressed pride in the lives saved through these initiatives. “I keep saying that’s enough and not doing anymore, but you just keep going,” she noted. “It’s nice to know that there is life because these items are in place.”
As the community continues to support these life-saving measures, the impact of McCarthy’s commitment to improving health resources in North Belfast becomes increasingly evident. The ongoing efforts not only enhance emergency response capabilities but also foster a sense of unity and resilience within the community.
