South Down MLA Karen McKevitt (SDLP) has welcomed a statement by the Minister for Health, Edwin Poots, launching a public consultation on the draft Community Resuscitation Strategy.
Mrs McKevitt was speaking after the Minister made a statement to the Assembly. She said: “The Health Minister reminded us of a stark statistic today. Over 90% of those who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest will not survive to be discharged from hospital. In an age when we can make portable defibrillators available and we can train people in Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), there is no excuse for such a high mortality rate.
“I welcome the launch of the public consultation into the community resuscitation strategy. In South Down we have witnessed three young people lose their lives on the football field: Oisin McGuinness; Patrick Dinsmore; and our own Councillor Mickey Cole. The families of those young men have worked tirelessly for this campaign to take place by raising funds for local sports clubs, schools etc. to have training and have defibrillators at hand.
“I have actively encouraged my children to become involved in sport. I want my children to lead active lives. We know the many health benefits – physical and mental – associated with playing sport.
“Therefore, I want to make the environment in which so many young people play as safe as possible. I believe it is essential that we have people trained in CPR and an Automated External Defibrillator present at all sporting fixtures to maximise the chance of survival of those who suffer cardiac arrest. I would encourage as many people as possible to respond to the consultation.,” added Mrs McKevitt.
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