Derry needs more defibrillators - charity

A charity is to launch a campaign to have more defibrillators made available in Derry.

Defibrillators are used to treat people who suffer a heart attack and are known to play a key role in keeping people alive until medical teams arrive on the scene.

A number of defibrillators are available at public locations in Derry’s city centre.

A number of local sports club have also purchased their own devices.

However, a charity which supports people with heart problems says more needs to be done.

Livewires is a voluntary support group set up to support people in Northern Ireland who have had an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators) fitted.

If someone with an ICD fitted suffers a heart attack, the device is automatically activated.

However, Seamus Curley from Livewires said more portable defibrillators were needed in public places.

“People are becoming more and more aware of how important these devices are. In many cases, they literally can be the difference between life and death,” he said.

“However, there are simply not enough of them easily accessible.

“I know the local council have placed defibrillators at Waterloo Place and behind the council offices along the quay.

“I know the Richmond Centre also has one, but it’s important that more and more premises and organisations buy their own defibrillator.”

Mr Curley said the devices cost around £1,500 to buy.

“This is not a lot of money when you consider that it can save lives.

“We are really looking to push this issue locally and plan to organise a public meeting soon to allow people to get more information about the work that defibrillators do and how important they are.”

Meanwhile, Livewires received a funding boost this week when two local women who completed the recent Waterside Half Marathon donated £835 to the charity.

Leanne Hughes and Susan Power took part in the run in memory of Susan’s father, Michael Bullock, who passed away last year.

Michael had an ICD fitted and had been involved with the charity.

Pictured at the cheque presentation were, from left, Megan Leitch, HSBC, Leanne Hughes, Monica Doherty, Live Wires, Seamus Curley, Live Wires, Susan Power and Ken Cooper, Live Wires.