Bank of Ireland has finished the roll-out of life-saving defibrillators at every one of its branches in Northern Ireland.

The final installation took place at the Belfast City branch, marking the completion of an initiative to provide critical emergency equipment to the communities in which the bank operates.

Each defibrillator has been fitted outside the branch to ensure maximum accessibility for public use. To further enhance safety, the devices have been registered with The Circuit, the national defibrillator network. This registration allows emergency dispatchers to immediately direct callers to the nearest available device during a cardiac emergency.

George Higginson, Managing Director, Everyday Banking at Bank of Ireland UK, said: "Having recently marked 200 years of service locally, our focus remains firmly on supporting the communities that have supported us for generations. Installing accessible defibrillators across all our branches is a practical step we can take to ensure lifesaving equipment is available when it's needed most." Mr Higginson also revealed that the devices have already been called upon 12 times since the installation process began. To support the roll-out, the bank hosted CPR and defibrillator awareness sessions across its branches.

"We know that confidence is critical when every second counts," he added. "That's why we've hosted CPR and defibrillator awareness events across our branches, to remove fear, build reassurance, and show just how simple these devices are to use."

The initiative has been welcomed by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Northern Ireland. Head of BHF NI, Fearghal McKinney, praised the bank's commitment to community wellbeing and the importance of registering the equipment.

Mr McKinney said: "Swift access to a defibrillator can be the difference between life and death during a cardiac arrest, and Bank of Ireland's commitment to making this lifesaving equipment widely available is truly commendable.

"When a defibrillator is needed, every minute counts but many defibrillators never get used because emergency services don't know where they are or how to access them. That's why it's so important that everyone who has a defibrillator, whether in a public place, business or community, registers the device with The Circuit, it really can be the difference between life and death."