Mayo EUROSPARs launch defibrillator initiative

EUROSPAR Belmullet and EUROSPAR Swinford have launched a new community initiative defibrillator, which aims to provide a life-saving defibrillator outside their stores. 

RTÉ's Michael Lyster was on hand to help launch the initiative this week. Michael suffered a cardiac arrest in 2015 and had to be resuscitated by the National Ambulance Service using a defibrillator so he fully understands the importance of publically accessible defibrillators in our communities. 

When a heart stops beating from cardiac arrest every second counts. The chances of recovery are reduced by 7 - 10% after each 60 seconds. Effective CPR coupled with the use of a defibrillator within the first 3 - 5 minutes of cardiac arrest can produce survival rates in the 49% - 75% range. 

The defibrillator at every EUROSPAR Supermarket initiative will raise funds for the installation of a publically accessible, automatic external defibrillator (AED) to be located outside each supermarket across the country. Funds will be raised through in-store collection, community fundraising activities and contributions from the sale of a selection of SPAR range products. 

Annette Howard of EUROSPAR Belmullet and Derek Kennedy, EUROSPAR Swinford, are delighted to launch the defibrillator initiative in Mayo. 

In a joint statement, they said: “Having a lifesaving defibrillator outside our stores and making everyone aware of it will hopefully result in saving lives in this community. I hope you will join with our teams in order to raise the funds needed to buy a defibrillator for our areas.â€

EUROSPAR, in partnership with CFR Ireland, will provide chain of survival awareness and CPR training in the local community as well as training for retailers and staff members. This training and awareness will be carried out by local Community First Responders to coincide with the installation of the AED at local stores. 

There are 50 EUROSPAR supermarkets nationwide so this initiative aims to provide a defibrillators outside each store and many will be in areas that are not currently serviced by a life-saving defibrillator.