The installation of a new, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at a store in Larne means more potentially lifesaving equipment is now available in the local area.

SPAR Craigyhill’s new defibrillator, which will be available for the community 24/7, thanks to it being installed on the outside of the store, provides essential access even when the store is not open and has been installed thanks to fundraising efforts from the team alongside local businesses and their local shoppers.

The device means there are now five local SPAR and ViVO Essentials stores in Larne with defibrillators installed, part of a network of 275* which have saved the lives of 19 people since installation of the devices began in 2016.

As well as collection boxes at the tills, the team at SPAR Craigyhill held a coffee morning in-store, where shoppers made a donation for a sweet treat, hot or cold drink and some delicious home baked goods, with all funds raised going towards the store’s defibrillator campaign.

Ronnie Eynon from SPAR Craigyhill commented; “Our shoppers and neighbours came out to support our campaign to get this vital piece of equipment, and we would like to extend a huge thank you to them. They helped us raise the money, and therefore it is owned by the whole community should it ever be needed.”

The new AED at SPAR Craigyhill will be registered with The Circuit, the defibrillator network launched by the British Heart Foundation in partnership with the NHS, Microsoft and UK ambulance services, connecting every device to its local ambulance service and the public.

Ronnie continued; “We are delighted to be able to bring such essential equipment to our local community. We are located in a small but busy retail park and surrounded by residential areas, so this is an essential bit of kit to have for our area, available 24/7.”

Bronagh Luke, Head of Corporate Marketing at Henderson Group which owns SPAR in Northern Ireland, and who spearheaded the defibrillator campaign added; “These defibrillators are easy to use, and the first port of call should always be 999. The Ambulance Service will talk the user through everything from locating the device, to CPR and use of it.

“In addition to the local devices that have been installed in recent weeks, there have been a further five fitted in February with five more due to be fitted in March, which will bring our total number of Automated External Defibrillators installed outside SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO branded stores in Northern Ireland to 275, providing a potential lifeline to those who may need it when an emergency happens.

 

“We know that 19 lives have been saved thanks to our defibrillators, and we hope to see many more installed in the coming years.”

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