Ards and North Down Borough Council has installed 14 new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at Council buildings across the Borough, each housed in an externally mounted cabinet to provide round-the-clock public access. A further two existing AEDs have been moved to outdoor cabinets so they can be reached outside normal opening hours.

All devices have been registered on The Circuit, the national defibrillator network (thecircuit.uk), enabling the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) to direct callers to the nearest available unit where appropriate during an emergency.

More than 1,400 people in Northern Ireland suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year and fewer than 10% survive to hospital discharge. Early action can significantly improve outcomes.

The rollout reinforces the internationally recognised Chain of Survival: early recognition of cardiac arrest and calling 999; early CPR to maintain blood flow; early defibrillation with an AED; and early advanced care from emergency medical services.

Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by around 10%, underlining the importance of swift action and easy community access to AEDs.

In any life-threatening situation, members of the public should always dial 999 immediately. Emergency Medical Dispatchers can give CPR instructions and guide callers to the nearest registered AED. To further support the Chain of Survival, the Council is hosting free Community Defibrillator and CPR Workshops delivered by NIAS. Open to all, the sessions include practical CPR training so attendees can build hands-on lifesaving skills. Dates and venues are as follows:

- Monday 10th August 2026, 7.00pm - 8.30pm - Alderman George Green Community Centre (1 Rathgill Parade, Bangor, BT19 7TZ , Bangor)

- Thursday 3rd September 2026, 12 noon - 1.30pm, Manor Court Community Centre (Mill Street, Newtownards, BT23 4LT , Newtownards)

- Friday 2nd October 2026, 1.30pm - 3.00pm - Kircubbin Community Centre (4 Church Grove, Kircubbin, Newtownards, BT22 2SU, Kircubbin)

- Wednesday 4th November 2026, 7.00pm - 8.30pm - Donaghadee Community Centre (The Parade, Donaghadee, BT21 0HG, Donaghadee)

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Craig Blaney, said: "It is great to see this life-saving equipment being installed across the Borough, helping to ensure that more people have access to a defibrillator in an emergency. These devices have the potential to save lives, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of the free awareness training available so they can feel prepared and confident to act when it matters most.

"This initiative also reflects the Council's commitment to building and strengthening a Community of Lifesavers across the Ards and North Down area, empowering residents with the skills and confidence to respond effectively in an emergency and help save lives."