Defibrillators should be installed in all community pitches, suggests Kildare Senator

Defibrillators should be installed in all community pitches throughout the country.

That's according to Labour Party Senator Mark Wall, who made the comments following the publication of a new report.

It showed that almost one-third of heart attack victims who received defibrillation from members of the public last year survived.

Explaining his stance on the matter, Senator Wall said: "Having a defibrillator present can be the difference between life and death.

"They are an expensive investment for clubs to make but they are hugely valuable.

Senator Mark Wall (Labour Party).

The Athy-based politician continued: "There’s not much point in having one if people don’t know where they are; that’s why we have consistently called for the development of an app or central register of all the available defibrillators around the country.

"We need to give people every chance. 

"Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, regardless of their age or fitness level. 

"I am calling on the government to provide funding for a programme to install defibrillators in all community pitches across the country.

"This would be a relatively inexpensive investment that could save lives."

He also said that his party had previously called for a programme to install defibrillators in all schools.

Senator Wall elaborated: "We think every school and community pitch should have access to a defibrillator.

"Every defibrillator that is installed in a community pitch is one more life that could be saved.

"We urge the government and all community groups to take action to make these life-saving devices more accessible," he concluded.