All schools to be equipped with life-saving defibrillators

ALL schools across the district will be equipped with defibrillators by the end of this academic year.

It follows an announcement on Monday by Education Minister, Paul Givan, when he revealed a significant new initiative to fund and roll out the life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to all schools in Northern Ireland.

The Department of Education will provide over £700,000 of funding to provide defibrillators in around 600 schools.

In a statement to the Assembly, Mr Givan said: "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.”

The Minister added that where schools already have the equipment available, the department will fund batteries and pads for ongoing maintenance.

It will also fund replacement defibrillators when their current equipment needs changed.

West Tyrone SDLP MLA., Daniel McCrossan, has welcomed the investment.

“This initiative is a massive boost for the health and safety of pupils, staff, and visitors in schools across West Tyrone and beyond," he said.

"The availability of defibrillators will significantly enhance our ability to respond to sudden cardiac arrest emergencies, which can strike without warning.”

Studies show that when defibrillation is provided promptly, survival rates can increase by up to 70 per cent.

These devices, combined with the mandatory CPR and defibrillator awareness training already included in the school curriculum, will prepare schools to respond effectively during critical moments.

Mr. McCrossan also praised the additional measures included in the initiative and highlighted the broader community impact, noting that defibrillators in schools will also serve local residents who use school facilities.

“Schools are at the heart of our communities, and this investment will extend beyond the classroom," he added.

"By registering these defibrillators with The Circuit -the national defibrillator network - we are integrating them into our community emergency response infrastructure, further safeguarding lives.”

He expressed his gratitude to educators and local community partners for their dedication to making schools safer environment and urged all schools in West Tyrone to embrace this opportunity and join in fostering a culture of preparedness.

“This is a vital step in building a safer, healthier future for all,” he concluded.

West Tyrone DUP MLA., Tom Buchanan, congratulated his party college in bringing forward the new initiative.

“This is an issue that is critical for the safety and well-being of our society and the importance of having defibrillators in schools cannot be overstated," he said.

"Sudden cardiac arrest can happen at any time and without warning and while we know they are more likely to happen in adults and older people it is a reality that young people are also at risk. I

"t is a proven fact that when defibrillators are used within the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest it significantly increases the chance of survival.

“This investment in our schools will be of extreme benefit to a rural constituency such as West Tyrone as this equipment will also be available to the wider community and will be of great benefit in building stronger, healthier communities, especially within our rural isolated areas.”

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 (NIAS).