Efforts by local community members in North Belfast have led to the installation of multiple defibrillators, significantly enhancing the region’s capacity to respond to cardiac emergencies. With one of the highest rates of coronary heart disease and heart attacks in Northern Ireland, these life-saving devices are seen as crucial by residents.
Fiona McCarthy, a community representative and auxiliary nurse, has spearheaded the initiative over the past three years, raising funds from various local donors to install defibrillators at strategic locations throughout North Belfast. According to studies, using a defibrillator within three to five minutes of a cardiac arrest can increase survival rates from approximately 6% to 70%. “It’s vitally important to have one in the area to help save lives in an emergency,” McCarthy stated.
The initiative began in earnest in April 2023, with the first defibrillator placed outside Coopers Chemist on Oldpark Road. This installation followed a community fundraising campaign after a local resident required the device during a medical emergency but was unable to access one in time. McCarthy explained, “It was a neighbour of ours who needed it one night, and 999 said there was one at the top of Ardoyne, but it was gone. So my husband said we should fundraise to try and get one to install in the community.” The couple contributed £500 towards the effort, which was supported by generous contributions from local residents.
As of now, North Belfast has five defibrillators, and McCarthy reports that they have already saved several lives. Plans are underway to install another device in the Shankill area in early spring. “I keep saying that’s enough and I’m not doing anymore, but you just keep going,” she added. “I feel very proud when I see the lives that they’re saving.”
In addition to defibrillators, McCarthy has introduced a new bleed kit, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, designed for trauma incidents such as car accidents or stabbings. The kit functions similarly to a defibrillator; emergency services provide a code to access the kit, which contains essential medical supplies to control bleeding until help arrives. While the bleed kit has not yet been used, McCarthy emphasizes the importance of community awareness regarding its availability.
The initiative’s impact is evident in real-life scenarios. One incident involved a man who fainted and sustained a serious head injury. Paramedics advised bystanders to use the nearby defibrillator, which helped sustain him until the ambulance arrived. Although he passed away a week later, his organs were donated, saving two additional lives.
McCarthy’s commitment to improving emergency healthcare in her community reflects the vital role that local initiatives play in addressing public health concerns. As North Belfast continues to bolster its emergency response capabilities, the importance of community involvement and proactive measures cannot be overstated.
For those experiencing a cardiac arrest, the immediate steps to take are clear, and having access to defibrillators can make a critical difference in survival outcomes.
