Life-saving defibrillator installed in Dungannon

The new device, which can restore a normal heart rhythm if used shock the heart within minutes of an attack, can be invaluable in helping to save lives until emergency services arrive.

Every minute counts in such situations - as each one that passes without intervention leads to a 10% reduction in the chance survival.

Defibrillators are generally lightweight, battery-operated, portable devices that are easy to use. Sticky pads with sensors are attached to the chest of the person having sudden cardiac arrest.

Chair of Mid Ulster PCSP, Cllr Frances Burton said: “I wish to commend everybody involved in this initiative, particularly, Emma O’Hagan, Allan Stevenson and Chris Lunn from Ulster Bank for arranging to have the defibrillator installed on their outside wall.”

Emma O’Hagan, Branch Manager, Ulster Bank Dungannon said: “We are pleased to support the council in making this life-saving device available, and to have trained our team in the branch in the use of CPR and the defibrillator. Funded training from the PCSP is available to support other businesses in the area to learn how to use this life saving device for the benefit of the community as a whole.”

PSNI Sector Inspector, Keith Jamieson also commented: “The PSNI welcomes the installation of the defibrillator in such a prime location. This defibrillator is very easy to use. It has a fully automated system which means that when someone calls 999, the ambulance control room can give them a code to unlock the defibrillator and then verbal instructions will be given as to how to use the defibrillator. It is available 24 hours a day.”