26/11/2024
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
The announcement was made by Education Minister Paul Givan who stated the Department will provide over £700,000 of funding to provide a defibrillator in around 600 schools after a recent survey indicated that less than half of schools in the country currently have one on site.
The Minister said: "I am very pleased that all schools in Northern Ireland are to be provided with a defibrillator before the end of the current academic year.
"Having access to defibrillators in schools drastically increases the chance of pupils, teachers and visitors surviving a cardiac arrest. AEDs are cost-efficient, safe and easy to use. Teachers and pupils across the country can now be reassured that they will have access to one on school grounds should an emergency strike.
"This funding will potentially save lives. Wherever possible, defibrillators will be located on the external boundaries of schools and importantly will be available to local communities. I am proud that we are taking this important step for the health and safety of our society."
Welcoming the announcement, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Michael Bloomfield, said: "The importance of defibrillators in schools cannot be overstated. These life-saving devices can give children, staff, visitors and our wider community the chance to survive a sudden cardiac arrest and continue to live healthy, active lives.
"I am delighted that all school defibrillators will be registered with The Circuit - the national defibrillator network - which provides the NHS ambulance services with vital information about defibrillators across the UK so that they can be accessed quickly when required."
The rollout of defibrillators will build on existing requirements for schools to teach CPR and awareness of AEDs within the curriculum.
Since 2022, over 500 teachers have been trained through the Community of Lifesavers Programme developed by the Department, CCEA and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
The announcement was made by Education Minister Paul Givan who stated the Department will provide over £700,000 of funding to provide a defibrillator in around 600 schools after a recent survey indicated that less than half of schools in the country currently have one on site.
The Minister said: "I am very pleased that all schools in Northern Ireland are to be provided with a defibrillator before the end of the current academic year.
"Having access to defibrillators in schools drastically increases the chance of pupils, teachers and visitors surviving a cardiac arrest. AEDs are cost-efficient, safe and easy to use. Teachers and pupils across the country can now be reassured that they will have access to one on school grounds should an emergency strike.
"This funding will potentially save lives. Wherever possible, defibrillators will be located on the external boundaries of schools and importantly will be available to local communities. I am proud that we are taking this important step for the health and safety of our society."
Welcoming the announcement, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Michael Bloomfield, said: "The importance of defibrillators in schools cannot be overstated. These life-saving devices can give children, staff, visitors and our wider community the chance to survive a sudden cardiac arrest and continue to live healthy, active lives.
"I am delighted that all school defibrillators will be registered with The Circuit - the national defibrillator network - which provides the NHS ambulance services with vital information about defibrillators across the UK so that they can be accessed quickly when required."
The rollout of defibrillators will build on existing requirements for schools to teach CPR and awareness of AEDs within the curriculum.
Since 2022, over 500 teachers have been trained through the Community of Lifesavers Programme developed by the Department, CCEA and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 May 2016
Number Of NI Primary Schools Receive Further 'Malicious Calls'
A number of primary schools in Northern Ireland have received further "malicious calls". Pupils and staff at Kilmaine Primary school in Bangor, Co Down, were evacuated and other schools have also been affected.
Number Of NI Primary Schools Receive Further 'Malicious Calls'
A number of primary schools in Northern Ireland have received further "malicious calls". Pupils and staff at Kilmaine Primary school in Bangor, Co Down, were evacuated and other schools have also been affected.
19 May 2016
Life Saving Defibrillators Installed In Five Parks Across Belfast
Belfast City Council has installed life-saving defibrillators in five parks across Belfast. The defibrillators, which can be used to help someone suffering a cardiac arrest, have been installed in Victoria Park, Waterworks Park, Boucher Playing Fields, Tullycarnet Park and Fullerton Park.
Life Saving Defibrillators Installed In Five Parks Across Belfast
Belfast City Council has installed life-saving defibrillators in five parks across Belfast. The defibrillators, which can be used to help someone suffering a cardiac arrest, have been installed in Victoria Park, Waterworks Park, Boucher Playing Fields, Tullycarnet Park and Fullerton Park.
02 March 2007
Cormac Trust donates defibrillators to Queen’s
The parents of Cormac McAnallen have donated two defibrillators to Queen’s University at a ceremony yesterday. The 24-year-old died suddenly in 2004 from sudden cardiac arrest just weeks after being appointed captain of the Tyrone Gaelic football team.
Cormac Trust donates defibrillators to Queen’s
The parents of Cormac McAnallen have donated two defibrillators to Queen’s University at a ceremony yesterday. The 24-year-old died suddenly in 2004 from sudden cardiac arrest just weeks after being appointed captain of the Tyrone Gaelic football team.
11 February 2022
£2m Schools Outdoor Learning Project Announced
Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen, has announced an investment of almost £2 million in a new Outdoor Learning Project for pre-schools, nursery and primary schools.
£2m Schools Outdoor Learning Project Announced
Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen, has announced an investment of almost £2 million in a new Outdoor Learning Project for pre-schools, nursery and primary schools.
08 February 2006
Northern Ireland schools to get major funding boost
Education Minister Angela Smith has today announced an increase in funding for schools and Education & Library Boards for the next financial year. A total of £1.36 billion is being allocated to schools and the five Education and Library boards in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland schools to get major funding boost
Education Minister Angela Smith has today announced an increase in funding for schools and Education & Library Boards for the next financial year. A total of £1.36 billion is being allocated to schools and the five Education and Library boards in Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.