Lions continue to bring lifesaving devices to Downpatrick

Lions continue to bring lifesaving devices to Downpatrick

19 February 2014

DOWNPATRICK now has two lifesaving defibrillators located in business premises in the town.

The first was presented to employees at the Asda store shortly before Christmas and the second was handed over last week to staff at Gordons Chemists in Market Street.

The purchase of the lifesaving devices has been made possible as a result of the fundraising efforts by Downpatrick Lions Club and support from local people and businesses.

Defibrillators provide emergency medical assistance to people who have had a cardiac arrest by delivering a small electric shock to help restart their heart.

Almost 30 people from the Downpatrick business community have taken part in training sessions on how to use the devices delivered by the British Red Cross.

The latest defibrillator handed over to Gordons Chemist will be relocated to a nearby BT telephone kiosk within the next few months.

Lions Club officials have been informed that NIE is unlikely to have the power supply disconnected from the BT box which will be converted to house the defibrillator for another few months.

In the meantime, the device will remain at Gordons where a number of staff have been trained to use it.

Lions Club member Seamus McMullan said the organisation is delighted with the response of the local business community to the life support sessions to train people how to use the defibrillator.

He also confirmed plans are in the pipeline to hold a third training session overseen again by the British Red Cross next month.

“While it could be a few months before the telephone kiosk in Market Street will house the defibrillator, we want people to know that the lifesaving device is now available and located at Gordons Chemists” explained Mr. McMullan.

“The response from the business community to the training sessions has been impressive and it’s clear many people support the provision of these devices in Downpatrick.”