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26/11/2024
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
The announcement was made by Education Minister Paul Givan who stated the Department will provide over £700,000 of funding to provide a defibrillator in around 600 schools after a recent survey indicated that less than half of schools in the country currently have one on site.
The Minister said: "I am very pleased that all schools in Northern Ireland are to be provided with a defibrillator before the end of the current academic year.
"Having access to defibrillators in schools drastically increases the chance of pupils, teachers and visitors surviving a cardiac arrest. AEDs are cost-efficient, safe and easy to use. Teachers and pupils across the country can now be reassured that they will have access to one on school grounds should an emergency strike.
"This funding will potentially save lives. Wherever possible, defibrillators will be located on the external boundaries of schools and importantly will be available to local communities. I am proud that we are taking this important step for the health and safety of our society."
Welcoming the announcement, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Michael Bloomfield, said: "The importance of defibrillators in schools cannot be overstated. These life-saving devices can give children, staff, visitors and our wider community the chance to survive a sudden cardiac arrest and continue to live healthy, active lives.
"I am delighted that all school defibrillators will be registered with The Circuit - the national defibrillator network - which provides the NHS ambulance services with vital information about defibrillators across the UK so that they can be accessed quickly when required."
The rollout of defibrillators will build on existing requirements for schools to teach CPR and awareness of AEDs within the curriculum.
Since 2022, over 500 teachers have been trained through the Community of Lifesavers Programme developed by the Department, CCEA and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
The announcement was made by Education Minister Paul Givan who stated the Department will provide over £700,000 of funding to provide a defibrillator in around 600 schools after a recent survey indicated that less than half of schools in the country currently have one on site.
The Minister said: "I am very pleased that all schools in Northern Ireland are to be provided with a defibrillator before the end of the current academic year.
"Having access to defibrillators in schools drastically increases the chance of pupils, teachers and visitors surviving a cardiac arrest. AEDs are cost-efficient, safe and easy to use. Teachers and pupils across the country can now be reassured that they will have access to one on school grounds should an emergency strike.
Welcoming the announcement, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Michael Bloomfield, said: "The importance of defibrillators in schools cannot be overstated. These life-saving devices can give children, staff, visitors and our wider community the chance to survive a sudden cardiac arrest and continue to live healthy, active lives.
"I am delighted that all school defibrillators will be registered with The Circuit - the national defibrillator network - which provides the NHS ambulance services with vital information about defibrillators across the UK so that they can be accessed quickly when required."
The rollout of defibrillators will build on existing requirements for schools to teach CPR and awareness of AEDs within the curriculum.
Since 2022, over 500 teachers have been trained through the Community of Lifesavers Programme developed by the Department, CCEA and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
Latest Northern Ireland News
26 November 2024
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
26 November 2024
Police Issue Fresh Appeal For Missing Boys On 50th Anniversary
Police have made a fresh appeal to the public for information regarding the disappearance of two young boys in west Belfast on the 50th anniversary of the date they went missing.
Police Issue Fresh Appeal For Missing Boys On 50th Anniversary
Police have made a fresh appeal to the public for information regarding the disappearance of two young boys in west Belfast on the 50th anniversary of the date they went missing.
26 November 2024
Searches Conducted In L'Derry Regarding Paramilitary Activity
Police investigating drugs criminality linked to the INLA in L'Derry have conducted a number of searches today.
Searches Conducted In L'Derry Regarding Paramilitary Activity
Police investigating drugs criminality linked to the INLA in L'Derry have conducted a number of searches today.
26 November 2024
Police Ombudsman Issues Appeal Regarding West Belfast Arrest
An appeal for witnesses regarding the arrest of a man in west Belfast has been issued by the Police Ombudsman. The man was arrested by police in the Beechview Park of the Falls Road at approximately 1am on Sunday, October 6.
Police Ombudsman Issues Appeal Regarding West Belfast Arrest
An appeal for witnesses regarding the arrest of a man in west Belfast has been issued by the Police Ombudsman. The man was arrested by police in the Beechview Park of the Falls Road at approximately 1am on Sunday, October 6.
26 November 2024
PSNI Launches Annual Christmas Operation
Police launched Operation Season's Greetings today ahead of the busy festive period. The annual Chrismas operation, which aims to keep people safe in the run-up to and over the Christmas and New Year period, will see an increase in proactive police patrols across key areas of Northern Ireland.
PSNI Launches Annual Christmas Operation
Police launched Operation Season's Greetings today ahead of the busy festive period. The annual Chrismas operation, which aims to keep people safe in the run-up to and over the Christmas and New Year period, will see an increase in proactive police patrols across key areas of Northern Ireland.
26 November 2024
Legislation Introduced For Protection Of Newborns
New legislation has been introduced in Northern Ireland to protect newborn babies from serious brain and spinal problems. From 2026, folic acid will be added to non-wholemeal flour, the Department of Health has announced. The move follows measures to update Bread and Flour Regulations across the four nations following a UK wide consultation.
Legislation Introduced For Protection Of Newborns
New legislation has been introduced in Northern Ireland to protect newborn babies from serious brain and spinal problems. From 2026, folic acid will be added to non-wholemeal flour, the Department of Health has announced. The move follows measures to update Bread and Flour Regulations across the four nations following a UK wide consultation.
26 November 2024
Ergo Invests £4.5m In New Belfast Office And Creates 40 Jobs
A leading IT solutions provider has invested £4.5 million into a new Belfast office which will create 40 high-quality jobs over three years. Ergo's new office in Clockwise, River House, near Belfast's Cathedral Quarter supports its strategy of driving economic growth, job creation, and tech exports from Northern Ireland.
Ergo Invests £4.5m In New Belfast Office And Creates 40 Jobs
A leading IT solutions provider has invested £4.5 million into a new Belfast office which will create 40 high-quality jobs over three years. Ergo's new office in Clockwise, River House, near Belfast's Cathedral Quarter supports its strategy of driving economic growth, job creation, and tech exports from Northern Ireland.
26 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Police Recover Suspected Firearm In Strabane Police recovered a suspected firearm yesterday during a search outside Strabane town in County Tyrone. Detectives from the Police Service's Terrorism Investigation Unit, who are investigating the activities of the New IRA, made the discovery.
Other News In Brief
Police Recover Suspected Firearm In Strabane Police recovered a suspected firearm yesterday during a search outside Strabane town in County Tyrone. Detectives from the Police Service's Terrorism Investigation Unit, who are investigating the activities of the New IRA, made the discovery.
26 November 2024
Campaign Launches To Raise Awareness Of Violence Against Women And Girls
A new digital and PR campaign has been launched to raise awareness of violence against women and girls.
Campaign Launches To Raise Awareness Of Violence Against Women And Girls
A new digital and PR campaign has been launched to raise awareness of violence against women and girls.
26 November 2024
DUP Calls For Full Independent Inquiry Into Hospital Project
The DUP has called on the Health Minister for a full independent inquiry into the handling of the new regional maternity and children's hospital project.
DUP Calls For Full Independent Inquiry Into Hospital Project
The DUP has called on the Health Minister for a full independent inquiry into the handling of the new regional maternity and children's hospital project.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
