Life-saving equipment has new home in Islandmagee

Islandmagee Community Responders is a vital service provided by dedicated residents who are trained by the St John Ambulance to use defibrillators, oxygen equipment and resuscitation techniques in life-threatening emergencies.

Since its inception 10 years ago, the responder team has been first on the scene at many emergency calls, providing first aid and basic life-saving support to patients while waiting for paramedics.

And, with the support of local people, the service has now added another feather to its cap.

Thanks to generous donations from Islandmagee residents, the responders have been able to purchase a new defibrillator – a vital piece of equipment that has the potential to save lives in an emergency.

The defibrillator, which is valued at £1,200, is now located at the Spar shop in Ballystrudder, where it will be readily accessible to responders should the need for it ever arise.

And First Responder Gerry Armour has issued an urgent appeal for more people to come forward and be trained in how to use the equipment.

He told the Larne Times: “The defibrillator is a very simple thing to operate, but only people who have been trained are allowed to use it.

“Hopefully, we will never need to use this equipment, but having it located outside the village shop means it will be available 24/7 should the worst happen.”

The defibrillator is stored inside a locked box and responders will have a code to access the equipment when needed.

Gerry added: “As far as I am aware, this is the first initiative of its kind in Northern Ireland.

“I want to pay tribute to the people of Islandmagee, who made it possible for us to purchase this defibrillator through their financial support.

“I would also like to extend my thanks to Stephen Caldwell from the Spar for kindly giving us permission to install the equipment at his shop.”

But Gerry has warned that the ranks of the First Responders need to swell if the organisation is to remain sustainable.

He added: “I can’t stress enough how important it is that more local people come forward and take advantage of the training that we can provide, which is free of charge and covers first aid, use of defibrillators, oxygen equipment and CPR,

“We currently have 23 volunteers, but we are always looking for more people to join.

“Not only will you be helping to provide a hugely important service to your community, you will also have learned a valuable set of skills.”

Anyone who would like to become a First Responder can contact Gerry on 07812947312 or Jamie Baker on 07986425939.