Council Funds Life Saving Equipment

June 10, 2016

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has funded invaluable lifesaving support to local sports clubs after contributing to the cost of new defibrillator equipment and emergency lifesaving training.

The aim of the funding is to ensure local sports clubs have a defibrillator onsite and are suitably trained in the event an individual experiences a cardiac incident while playing in or spectating at sport.

Chairman of the Leisure and Community Development Committee, Alderman Paul Porter said, “Defibrillators are invaluable in helping to save the lives of those who suffer a heart attack therefore it is vital that our Sports Clubs are equipped with the training and equipment to respond quickly to an incident onsite.”

“In 2016, the Council provided 75% funding towards the cost of new defibrillators for seven sports clubs and trained six representatives from each club, which adds to its total contribution of 27 defibrillators and 150 trained coaches over the last 3 years.

“I would like to thank those clubs for taking part in the initiative and demonstrating their commitment to the protection of their players, staff and spectators as they enjoy sport in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area.”

The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett added, “The renowned cardiologist, who invented the defibrillator, Professor Frank Pantridge, MD CBE, was a resident from the City and his contribution to medical science is permanently remembered today by a bronze statue which proudly sits in the grounds of Lagan Valley Island.

“This year is the 100th anniversary of Professor Pantridge’s birth and I am delighted to see his lifesaving work continuing within the City, through this initiative, which equips sports clubs with a defibrillator and vital training that could save lives in emergency situations.”

Clubs who have taken part in the programme in 2016, include; Glenavy Football Club; Gladiators Fencing Club; Downshire Tennis Club; Lisburn Amateur Boxing Club; Castlereagh Hills Golf Club; Chum Sut Tiger Wrestling Team and Hillsborough Boys Football Club.

For further information on funding for defibrillator training and equipment, please contact Kevin Madden, Sports Development Unit on 028 9250 9567.