Another lifesaving device from Lions

Another lifesaving device from Lions

23 November 2016

DOWNPATRICK Lions Club has presented another lifesaving defibrillator for use in the community.

Club president, Pat Sheridan, handed over the device to staff at the Maxol Service Station in the town last week. Money for the portable defibrillator was raised by the Lions Club with the help of the New Bridge Street service station’s staff and customers.

Downpatrick Lions have helped provide a number of defibrillators in the town over recent years with others located at the Asda store at the Ballydugan Road retail park, the Down County Museum and a former BT kiosk in Market Street.

The device is used to provide emergency medical assistance to people who have had a cardiac arrest by delivering a small electric shock to help restart the heart. The availability of the devices can be the difference between life and death.

Defibrillators which are located outside buildings can be accessed in emergency situations. When someone dials 999 they will be given the access code to remove the device from its special holder. Pressing a button will activate an automated system which will then explain what to do. Once the 999 call is made, an ambulance will also be despatched.

The defibrillator at the Downpatrick Service Station is located behind reception and is accessible 24-hours a day. Lions Club officials say it will be immediately available for the use by people in the Church Street/New Bridge Street area of Downpatrick or anyone else who unfortunately suffers a cardiac arrest in this location.

The Lions Club is currently organising basic first aid courses, which include CPR and defibrillator training. A venue for the free course has not yet been agreed, but it will be held on a midweek night between 6.30pm and 9.30pm. Anyone interested in taking part is asked to contact 07787 578665.