GAA re-launches Defibrillator scheme

The GAA today re-launched its defibrillator scheme offering GAA clubs the opportunity to purchase Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) at a reduced price whilst emphasising the importance of keeping them updated.

The GAA defibrillator programme is overseen by the GAA's Medical, Scientific and Welfare Committee in conjunction with Heartsafety Solutions. The Defibrillator Scheme began in 2005 and since then over 1,500 defibrillators have been purchased on a subsidised basis.

In 2012, each GAA county board in Ireland was offered an opportunity to host a defibrillator road show whereby clubs could take their defibrillator to be voluntarily inspected by Heartsfaety Solutions. The importance of keeping AEDs updated cannot be over-emphasised.

In partnership with Heartsfatey, clubs can now avail of a maintenance offer which includes inspection of batteries, pads, ancillary equipment and hardware for a cost of EUR20 and with a guarantee of a five-day turn around.

Each machine will be picked up on a Monday morning by courier and inspected by Heartsafety at their headquarters in Dublin, an action report form will be completed and the relevant club secretary will be contacted to see if he/she would like any updates performed.

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Liam Ó Néill welcomed the initiative by saying that 'extensive progress has taken place since 2005 with many clubs now having defibrillators at their disposal in the event of a cardiac arrest. Indeed, there have been many high profile incidents in recent years whereby a defibrillator helped save a life."

The Uachtarán continued: "the challenge is now for clubs to ensure that the machines are kept in optimal condition, and we encourage each club to make arrangements in this regard."

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GAA clubs can now purchase defibrillators at a reduced cost of EUR850 plus VAT.

Clubs wishing to avail of this offer or to have their machines inspected for EUR20 should contact playerwelfare@gaa.ie or telephone 0 1 865 8685.

Pictured at the announcement are Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Liam Ó Néill and Rob Roe from Heartsafety Solutions.

For more information, visit http://www.gaa.ie/medical-and-player-welfare/cardiac-screening/defibrillator-scheme/