Defibrillator installed in Saintfield

Defibrillator installed in Saintfield

5 July 2023

A NEW lifesaving defibrillator has been installed in Saintfield.

The device — which is located outside the town’s Orange Hall in Main Street — has been donated by Ballynahinch Lions Club.

Club president, Kevin Poland, handed over the device last week to LOL Worshipful Masters Raymond Scott and Robert Burgess.

The portable device is housed in a custom-made cabinet and is one of a number Ballynahinch Lions Club has installed. 

The defibrillator is housed in a stainless steel holder which allows 24-hour access to provide emergency assistance to someone who suffers a heart attack.

A key code is also required to access the device which is provided by Ambulance Service staff when they receive a 999 call.

Thanking Ballynahinch Lions Club for the lifesaving device, Mr Burgess said it will be able to provide immediate help to anyone who suffers a cardiac arrest.

“The people of Saintfield will be delighted with Ballynahinch Lions Club’s generosity. These devices save lives and are worth their weight in gold,” he said.

“The more of these devices we have in place across the district to help in an emergency, the more chance people will have of surviving. The importance of immediate access to defibrillators cannot be overstated and I hope we will see more of the devices provided across the district.”

Mr Burgess said defibrillation is an important link in improving a person’s chance of surviving a cardiac arrest.

“A number of lifesaving defibrillators have been installed outside local supermarkets, inside old telephone boxes and outside business premises and leisure facilities and the devices are something you can’t have too much of,” he continued.

Mr Burgess also highlighted the need to run training courses for local people on how to use the devices in the event of an emergency.

He added: “Thanks again to Ballynahinch Lions Club. Its generosity is greatly appreciated by everyone in Saintfield.”