Coleraine firm secures American CPR contract

Local training business Safe2Care, had been negotiating for months with US firm, Cardiac Science, when news finally came through this week that they had been awarded a contract to supply the company’s hundreds of Irish customers with defibrillator training.

And the achievement is all the more commendable, given that owners, Paul and Pauline McCullough, only established the company two years ago after fleeing Zimbabwe empty handed to avoid the evil regime of dictator Robert Mugabe.

Safe2Care, whose services are booked over the internet, was awarded the contract by the Seattle based, Cardiac Science Corporation, which is a global leader in the development and marketing of defibrillators for use in the workplace.

Paul and his wife Pauline - who is a trained nurse and busy mother of two - will be responsible for supplying hands-on training courses and programme management for CSC’s defibrillator installations throughout Ireland. Many of these installations will include the hundreds of American bank staff based in and around Dublin.

Speaking after the award details leaked out on the internet, Paul McCullough said he and wife Pauline were “over the moon” at securing the contract in the face of very stiff competition.

“Safe2Care Training has gone from strength to strength in the short two years it has been operating,” he told The Times.

“Despite economic difficulties and dealing with recession, Safe2Care has managed to continue building and growing.”

The company’s two founders, believe the secret to their survival in difficult trading times, is down to their innovative business model:

“We only use trainers who have lots of practical experience in their field, backed up with a training qualification, and a passion to pass their skills on to others,” said a clearly delighted Paul.

“We appreciate that times are hard for everyone, so we keep our costs as low as possible. Those who have been to our courses have given tremendous feedback on the high standard of training. We plan to continue offering training that is affordable without compromising on quality,” he added.

When asked how they feel about being awarded the contract, Pauline answered: “I’m so pleased to have this opportunity to give further training in CPR and defibrillation. Because of my nursing background I understand the importance of learning these skills.

“It’s great to have the chance to teach others on both CPR and Defibrillation. This is a huge step forward for our business, we really are delighted,” she added.

In the UK over 30,000 people have a cardiac arrest outside of hospital each year, which is why there is a growing demand for Safe2Care’s business. Ambulance response time is, on average, ten minutes.