Earlier this week (Monday, April 27th 2024), seven estates in Bray were presented with Cardiangel semi-automatic Defibrillators and Rotaid Solid Plus Heat LED Alarmed cabinets. The purchase of the defibrillators was made possible by an allocation of €10,000 by the elected members of Bray Municipal District from their 2024 discretionary budget. The defibrillators will be installed and maintained by the respective estate development committees.
The project was proposed by Cllr. Rory O’Connor and supported by all the members of Bray Municipal District. Members noted that a cardiac arrest is a catastrophic event in a person’s life and it can happen to anyone, regardless of age, anytime, anywhere. Every minute counts as every minute delayed acting, reduces the person’s chance of survival.
The seven estates which received the defibrillators were:
- Bray Head Residents Association
- Elgin Heights
- Killarney Heights
- Rectory Slopes
- Sidmonton Gardens
- Sugarloaf Crescent
- The Maltings Estate
Speaking at the presentation, Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District Cllr. Melanie Corrigan said, “I am delighted to see this increased availability defibrillators in our community. The importance of having available and accessible defibrillators, along with people trained to use them in our community is vital, and it could potentially save a life. It goes without saying that I’m thrilled to be able to support such a scheme.”
Cllr. Rory O’Connor, who proposed the project noted, “I believe this scheme will create a new level of safety across our estates and provide residents with peace of mind. While I hope these defibrillators will never have to be used, having them available is essential for any estate. I would like to thank the residents’ groups for their involvement and commitment to signing up for this scheme, which will help protect their community.”
Bray Municipal District Manager Lorraine Gallagher also commented, “We must congratulate these estates on taking the initiative and applying for the defibrillators. The importance of time in responding to a person experiencing a cardiac arrest cannot be underestimated, and the installation of the defibrillators can only help in that regard. We must also acknowledge the important work already being carried out by the First Responder Groups in Bray Municipal District.”
Pictured at the presentation of the defibrillators on Monday, April 27th 2024 in Bray Town Hall were representatives from the seven housing estates, along with Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Aoife Flynn Kennedy, Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District Cllr. Melanie Corrigan, Cllr. Rory O’Connor and Ken O’Dwyer from Flashpoint Medical Systems.