UPDATE: Lagan Valley elected officials are demanding immediate funding for 24/7 access to heart defibrillators, following emerging concerns about public accessibility to these lifesaving devices. The Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council is currently reviewing funding options to ensure that Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are available outside of school hours.
During a recent meeting of the council’s communities and wellbeing committee, it was revealed that some AEDs, particularly those located in schools, may only be accessible from 9 AM to 3 PM. Claire Kemp, a Killultagh Alliance councillor, highlighted that constituents have expressed worries about the limited availability of these crucial devices, stating, “Could we look at any funding we could offer to communities in need to bring about more defibrillators that can be accessed at all times?”
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced that in 2024, he will allocate over £700,000 for defibrillators in approximately 600 schools. Currently, 420 schools in Northern Ireland have access to an on-site defibrillator, while 471 do not. The complete rollout of defibrillators to all schools is expected by the end of this year, yet concerns remain about accessibility for the general public.
Lisburn North DUP councillor Jonathan Craig emphasized the importance of ensuring all newly installed defibrillators are registered with the Ambulance Service. He also raised issues regarding older AEDs, which may lack necessary maintenance. “We should be looking at older defibrillators that have been about for years,” he stated.
Additionally, Sharon Skillen, a Castlereagh East DUP Alderman, pointed out that some areas in the district could benefit from additional defibrillators, noting that even with proximity to the Ulster Hospital, availability of a nearby AED can be a matter of life and death in emergencies.
A council officer responded, “This is something we are looking into. Just yesterday we launched our community grant aid and we can also look into the potential of DEA (district electoral area) funding.”
As the council explores these funding avenues, the urgency of expanding access to AEDs continues to be a pressing concern for local communities. Officials urge immediate action to ensure that lifesaving equipment is always accessible when needed.
For all the latest updates, stay tuned to our live news coverage.
