Launch of local Defibrillator Report
Laois County Council Age Friendly Initiative Launches Defibrillator Report
Laois County Council, in conjunction with Laois Age Friendly Alliance and Portlaoise Lions Club, launched a project which researched the availability of defibrillators in Laois in County Hall on Thursday, 2nd August 2018.
The study, led by Mr. Peter Naughton, retired consultant and member of the Laois Age Friendly Alliance, investigated the number of defibrillators in the county as well as where they are located and how accessible they are for public use. The results found 120 defibrillators in the County, nearly three times more than estimated. It also found that not every defibrillator was accessible with Portlaoise, Stradbally and Emo not having access to a defibrillator outside core business hours. Mr. Naughton noted that steps have already been taken towards making defibrillators available in Portlaoise.
Ms. Georgina Ireland, Acting Senior Executive Officer for Community Developemnt in Laois County Council noted the importance of communities across the county in the future implementation and success of the project. Ms. Ireland said “Communities will be key to ensure structures are put in place locally to ensure access to a defibrillator and trained persons in place to operate them.“
Mr. Naughton explained the next phase of the project will focus on detailed mapping of defibrillator locations, documenting and improving accessibility to defibrillators and an awareness campaign to ensure everyone can easily find one in the event of an emergency.
Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr. John King said: “The saving of a life is the most important cause we could ever expect to make happen in our community. To know where a defibrillator is located and how to use it, significantly increases the chances of saving a life should an incident occur. That is essentially what this project is all about, increasing the chances of saving lives in our communities and ultimately in our county.
Pictured are Cllr. Seamus McDonald, Cllr. Caroline Dwane Stanley, Lee Hughes, Portlaoise Lions Club, Cllr. Mary Sweeney, Cllr. Patrick Bracken, Cathaoirleach Laois County Council, Cllr. John King, Mr. Peter Naughton, Cllr. John Joe Fennelly, Sheelagh Coyle, Cllr. Pauline Madigan and Derek Phelan, Specialist at Maltings Training Centre. Photo by Denis Byrne
“
The projected is supported by Laois Age Friendly Alliance, Laois County Council, Portlaoise Lions Club and the HSE.
For further information on the project please contact Claire McIntyre, Laois Age Friendly Coordinator, Laois County Council.