Laois people urged to check lifesavers can work

Laois people should check if life saving defibrillator devices in their communities are fit to be used if required in an emergency, according to an independent candidate in the upcoming local elections

Pauline Flanagan has called on communities and organisations around Laois to check the dates on the batteries and pads in the defibrillators (also known as AEDs) in their area. She also belives County Hall should take the lead in have a countywide audit.

"I have just completed a first aid course with Laois Volunteer Centre Centre, whom I am most grateful to for facilitating this course.  I have had this on the bucket list for years and I am delighted to now know the basics in the event that I am ever with anyone who suffers from a cardiac arrest, stroke or heart attack. 

"However, I was shocked to hear that most batteries and pads are out of date in their local area.  It seems that communities think that once there is a defibrillator near their area that the box is ticked. But it is crucial that they are checked to ensure the batteries and pads are up to date," said Ms Flanagan.

The Portlaoise Municipal District candidate suggested that Laois County Council could be the main driver in ensuring that this happens throughout Laois. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured: Pauline Flanagan speaks at her campaign launch in Portlaoise.

She said that it is also important that at least one person is in charge of maintaining defibrillators (AEDs) within a school, business or other organisation.  This person should provide monthly checks.

• When checking the defibrillator (AED), Ms Flanagan suggested the things to be looked out for:
• Is the readiness indicator on your defibrillator flashing green?
• Does the defibrillator appear to be undamaged and ready for use?
• Is the defibrillator free of chirping and warning notifications?
• Are the defibrillator supplies pads available and within their usable dates?

She said that if the answer is “no” to any of these questions when checking it, the defibrillator needs to be serviced right away. 

"Sudden cardiac arrest takes many lives each year.  It is not just crucial that we have defibrillators in our areas, and that people know where they are and how to work them, but it is also crucial that they are up to date," concluded Ms Flanagan.

The former county coucillor is hoping to regain one of seven seats in a district that is dominated by Portlaoise but also includes, The Rock near Mountmellick as well as Abbeyleix and Ballinakill.