Defibrillators now installed in all Northern Ireland fire stations

Communities across Northern Ireland can now access life-saving automated external defibrillators installed in fire stations as a result of a recent investment by its fire and rescue service.

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) now has defibrillators in each of its 67 fire stations as well as in its headquarters in Lisburn. NIFRS said that studies show that early intervention with defibrillators within three to five minutes of a cardiac arrest can lead to survival rates in excess of 50 per cent.

“We are delighted to announce that we have installed defibrillators at all of our fire stations. Our stations are at the centre of the community which makes them easily accessible to the public and will enhance the availability of initial emergency equipment in the event of a cardiac arrest. NIFRS stands as a key pillar in facilitating public use of defibrillators.”

Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings.

Each of the defibrillators has been added to The Circuit, the national defibrillator network. This means that, where appropriate, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Ambulance Control can direct members of the public to retrieve the nearest available device to help someone in cardiac arrest.

Pictured beside the life-saving defibrillator at Antrim Fire Station are (left to right) NIFRS Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings, Chairperson of the NIFRS Board Jay Colville, Health Minister Robin Swann and Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Brian Stanfield.