Business taking staff welfare to its heart

Celebrating the installation of a defibrillator at Blackbourne in Antrim are from (l-r) Carol Burrows, St Johns Ambulance, Catherine Blackbourne, Blackbourne Finance Director, Cathy McGarry, Blackbourne Marketing Assistant, Marie Hodgson, Blackbourne HR & Operations Director and Sinead Magill, Senior Corporate Fundraising Executive, Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke. (Submitted Picture).

An Automated Defibrillator Machine was installed at Blackbourne Limited following an extensive review of on-site first aid facilities.

Every year in Northern Ireland approximately 1,400 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital environment, with the current survival rate at only 7.5%.

In 2014 alone, 5,723 deaths were attributed to chest, heart and stroke conditions.

Research has demonstrated that using a defibrillator in conjunction with administering CPR can increase the survival rate by 50%, allowing time for first responders/paramedics to arrive on the scene.

Blackbourne’s HR and Operations Director Marie Hodgson said: “As a first aider, I am all too aware of the devices critical role in saving lives.

“Over the next few months we will be focusing our attention on promoting the machine’s existence to our staff and neighbouring community at Springfarm. A programme of suitable training will be rolled out for first aiders and will be accompanied by a series of educational campaigns to all members of staff, ensuring they understand the benefits and functions of this life saving equipment.”

Carol Burrows, representing St John Ambulance NI, endorsed the Company’s decision to invest in training and Sinead Magill, Senior Corporate Fundraising Executive from Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke stressed the device’s significance.

She said: “Through our work we often meet people who have benefitted from community based defibrillators. “Defibrillators save lives, so we are delighted that this equipment has been installed at Blackbourne.”