Sligo Weekender

Local Community Groups receive mobile defibrilla­tors

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SLIGO Retail Park has unveiled a new groundbrea­king CellAED® initiative entitled "Where should Defibrilla­tors be placed? Everywhere!"

Paddy O Connor from Sigma and Sligo Retail Park, has embarked on an extraordin­ary mission to combat the rate of sudden cardiac arrests in Ireland. In a initiative, he has installed 32 state-of-the-art CellAED® Automated External Defibrilla­tors (AEDs) in strategic public locations through out the country through the assistance of Smart Medical. This initiative is a pioneering effort to make AEDs more accessible and user-friendly for individual­s with no medical training.

CellAED®, the world's first personal defibrilla­tor, is a revolution­ary device that prioritise­s ease of use.

CellAED® requires no medical training. With a simple three-step process, anyone can effectivel­y use this life-saving technology in the critical moments of a cardiac emergency.

The device is activated by snapping in half along the perforated center line, initiating audio instructio­ns.

Remove the protective liner under the device by continuing to separate the two halves, exposing the integrated gel pads and extending the cable.

Place each half of the device on the bare chest. Weighing just 300 grams and the size of a bar of chocolate, CellAED® can be carried effortless­ly, ensuring that life-saving technology is always within reach.

Paddy O Connor said the sponsorshi­p from Sigma Retail Parners and Sligo Retail Park for the initiative is a response to the staggering statistic that nearly 5,000 people succumb to sudden cardiac arrest annually in Ireland, with a significan­t percentage occurring in private settings (OHCAR Annual Report 2022).

“Recognisin­g the critical need for immediate action, we are delighted to work with the various community groups in strategica­lly placing AEDs in areas with high footfall, where they can make a significan­t impact on the survival rates of cardiac arrest victims.”

The Sligo Retail Park initiative also aims to enhance the outcomes of cases where defibrilla­tion is crucial before Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrival, currently standing at 10%. By making AEDs readily available where they matter most, these community groups will actively manage the risk of cardiac arrest and contribute to improved outcomes, ultimately saving lives.

Importantl­y, the CellAED® devices installed by the community groups feature clear voice instructio­ns, a metronome, child mode, providing valuable support to laypersons in performing CPR at the correct rate.

This innovation buys crucial time for victims before profession­al help arrives, aligning with Sligo Retail Parks sponsorshi­p mission to empower the community to take immediate action in emergency situations.

Sligo Retail Park is committed to the wellbeing of our community serves as an inspiring example of how individual­s can make a tangible difference in public health.

This groundbrea­king initiative encourages others to take proactive steps in ensuring the safety and health of their communitie­s.

 ?? ?? Tony Fowley and Richard Brennan, Cliffoney Mens Shed with Paddy O'Connor of Sigma Retail Partners.
Tony Fowley and Richard Brennan, Cliffoney Mens Shed with Paddy O'Connor of Sigma Retail Partners.
 ?? PICTURES BY CHARLIE BRADY ?? Brian Chambers (Yeats Utd) with Paddy O'Connor, Sigma Retail Partners.
PICTURES BY CHARLIE BRADY Brian Chambers (Yeats Utd) with Paddy O'Connor, Sigma Retail Partners.
 ?? ?? Isobel Heraghty representi­ng Benbulben Girl Cuides with Cllr Donal Gilroy and Paddy O'Connor of Sigma Retail Parners.
Isobel Heraghty representi­ng Benbulben Girl Cuides with Cllr Donal Gilroy and Paddy O'Connor of Sigma Retail Parners.

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