Hugh McManus, father of Antrim hurler Neil McManus, pictured with the Automated External Defibrillator GAA clubs can purchase through the Community Hearts Programme. Hugh's life was saved when he was treated with a defibrillator after suffering a cardiac arrest in his home in 2015.
The GAA is reminding clubs of the importance of properly storing and maintaining automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on their grounds.
An AED is a portable device used to treat sudden cardiac arrest by sending an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm.
The key message remains to ACT to ensure Heart Safety in your club –
1. Make sure your defibrillator is stored in an area where access is not restricted.
2. Ensure your defibrillator is fully charged and that self-tests have been carried out by weekly inspectors.
3. Ensure there are enough trained responders anytime the facilities are occupied.
Many clubs have availed of AEDs through initiatives such as the 2005 GAA AED Subsidised Scheme, The Cormac Trust, and the 2021 GAA Community Hearts Programme and in doing so have provided a potentially lifesaving resource for their club and the community.
GAA clubs can purchase AEDs through Heart Safety Solutions at special rates by contacting info@hearts.ie.
For those with AEDs already it’s important to ensure firstly that they’re stored correctly and are accessible if required.
The location of the AED is important as research has shown that the chance of its use being effective is increased considerably if defibrillation occurs within 3 minutes.
Specialised outdoor cabinets should be used and are available from a range of suppliers nationwide.
If an AED is stored indoors, appropriate signage should be in place to clearly illustrate its location.
GAA clubs should also ensure that their defibrillator is fully charged by carrying out self-tests on a weekly basis, with records kept of such maintenance.
Clubs should also ensure that the battery and pads have not reached their expiry date, and that enough club members are trained in the use of the AED to ensure maximal coverage of training sessions and matches.
That said, it’s important to note that you don’t have to be trained to use an AED as when operating one they instruct the user through each step of storage.
Further information on the GAA’s defibrillator guidelines can be accessed HERE.
Further information and resources on other Player Welfare areas within the GAA can be accessed HERE.