Inishowen Credit Union installs its 16th defibrillator, this time at Drumfries NS

Inishowen Credit Union has helped to install a SIXTEENTH defibrillator – and counting – as part of its ongoing generous initiative to support the local community.

The latest life-saving device has been erected at the entrance to Scoil Naomh Padraig, Drumfries, where it will be fully accessible in emergency scenarios to those in need nearby.

The defib has been funded under Inishowen Credit Union’s community fund, and the local financial institution says it’s “thrilled” that the school has taken it on.

“A huge well done to the school for taking on this vital lifesaving device. Schools have been excellent in taking responsibility for the defibrillators, with many involving senior pupils in carrying out monthly checks,” explained an ICU spokesperson.

“We also receive strong support from local First Responder Groups, who have taken responsibility for defibrillators located within their areas.”

The Inishowen Credit Union spokesperson added: “We are delighted to support the installation of these defibrillators.”

“We provide the defibrillator, cabinet, spare pads, and cover the full cost of installation.”

“This marks the sixteenth defibrillator we have installed across Inishowen, with more planned in the near future.”

Community-run AEDs [Automated External Defibrillator] are designed to respond immediately to those suffering cardiac issues before the paramedics arrive on scene to take over: every second is vital in such life-or-death scenarios.

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Defibrillators are operated by members of the public, who follow visual and audio prompts provided by the easy-to-follow machine itself.

Around 5,000 people in Ireland suffer a sudden cardiac arrest every year. A patient’s chance of surviving a cardiac arrest decreases by an estimated 10 per cent with every passing minute without intervention. An AED can be the difference between life and death.