Four new life-saving defibrillators have been installed across Drogheda, thanks to a two-year fund-raising initiative by Drogheda Lions Club. 

The devices were put in place last week in locations that often see high footfall in the centre of the town. The defibrillators are up and running in Scholars Townhouse, The North Road Pharmacy, Gleeson’s Pub on West Street and outside Boyle Sports betting shop in the north Quays. 

Defibrillators are used to revive someone from sudden cardiac arrest.  Approx 6,000-10,000 people have a heart attack each year with an exponential increase in the cases of heart attacks in young people under the age of 50, and in the under 30s, 16 people in every 100,000 will have a heart attack.  

“The need for defibrillators is great and we are delighted to have worked with East Meath Defibrillator Unit who sourced our four machines, registered them with the National Ambulance Service so, in the event of an emergency, the controller can give nearest defib location,” said Marian Agrios President of Drogheda Lions and organiser of the fund-raising effort.

Marian explained that a lot of maintenance is required and there are weekly and monthly checks on the defibrillators. “If they are used, the pads need to be replaced for the next person who may need it, the number for East Meath DU is inside the cover of the unit. 

“We would urge all people, young and old, to please respect this life-saving equipment.  We do have to thank Jim and his team from East Meath DU for their continued voluntary work alongside Eric Scurry from the community policing team are who working hard on training and increasing awareness.” 

All the staff at Scholars have been trained and staff at other locations are in the process of getting trained.  Mark McGowan from Scholars Hotel & Restaurant said “the management team at Scholars are delighted and very grateful to have installed a defibrillator which was commissioned by Drogheda Lions Club. 

“Scholars Townhouse is a 24-hour business, and it is an invaluable asset to the local community of King Street and Sundays Gate to have trained staff available in case of a cardiac arrest.”