A ‘Lifesaver’ for Harryville Group

Harryville Partnership, whose aim is to improve the quality of life for residents in the local community, has helped assist HeartSine® with usability testing on the company’s samaritan® PAD range of AEDs.

Course attendees of varying age groups helped to provide essential user feedback on features and usability of the products.

Speaking at the presentation of the AED, which will be located at the Partnership’s premises on Larne Street, Rebecca Di Maio, Clinical Research Manager at HeartSine® Technologies, said: “Like Harryville Partnership Initiative, we share a passion for supporting the community by encouraging positive well-being and putting the right measures in place to ensure that the quality of life for each individual is never compromised.

“AEDs are undoubtedly life-changing medical equipment that should be available in all public buildings and readily available to all members of the community.

“Extensive research has shown that with CPR alone, chance of survival after a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is less than five per cent,however, when combined with the use of an AED, survival rate can increase to over 70%, which is incredible.

“In addition to this, 84% of SCAs occur away from a healthcare setting, so by equipping local community groups, such as the Harryville Partnership Initiative, with a defibrillator, peace of mind also is achieved by those living in, working in or visiting the area who have access to the device.

“SCAs affect people of all ages and can occur regardless of lifestyle or physical ability, so there is no doubt that this will be a great asset to the local community in Ballymena,” said Rebecca, who described the Partnership’s contribution to the development of the company’s defibrillator technology as “invaluable”.

Ron McMurray of Harryville Partnership said: “We recognise the importance of what the AEDs can do and have heard so many stories about the countless lives they have helped to save across the world.

“Our community groups attract a wide variety of people of all ages, it is therefore crucial that we have instant access to the correct equipment that will allow us to assist the patient until an ambulance arrives.

“We have been thrilled to support HeartSine® and their development of new defibrillation technology and will continue to promote the availability of AEDs within the local community.”