Defibrillator 'Field' Volunteers Sought

Proposals for a pilot scheme to provide local sporting clubs with defibrillator training to target cases of sudden cardiac death have been announced.

Stormont Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey said that local soccer, GAA, and rugby clubs, as well as Queen's University and the University of Ulster, have been asked if they would be interested in taking part in the scheme.

Up to 60 volunteers would initially be trained in the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and Emergency Life Support (ELS) skills. The pilot scheme would train 60 volunteers (12 each from soccer, GAA, rugby and the two universities) to a level where they can train others.

Mr McGimpsey said: "Everyone is well aware of the very tragic deaths of young sports people from sudden cardiac death in Northern Ireland. Following these deaths and an increased awareness of the issue in the community, many sports clubs have purchased AEDs.

"There is however concern that while AEDs have been purchased, not enough people have been trained to use them, or they have not regularly updated their training as recommended.

"I am proposing to introduce a pilot scheme which would aim to get 12 volunteers each from a number of local sporting organisations who could be trained in, and go on to train others in, emergency life support (ELS) skills and the use of an AED. These volunteers would then train up to 20 others from clubs in their locality.

"This could result in 1,200 trained volunteers who would be in a position to help an individual if they collapsed at their club," he said.

"I would encourage all local clubs to take up this offer which will not only increase the skill and numbers of people who will able to use defibrillators but will ultimately benefit the public who attend sporting events all over Northern Ireland," he concluded, noting that it is hoped that the pilot scheme will be introduced by September.

(BMcC/GK)