Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 September 2012
182. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health his political and professional views on the benefits of community based defibrillators available to first responders and trained staff such as Gardaí, nurses, first aiders and trained community leaders; if he is in favour of such a project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40803/12]
View answerMy Department's Report of the Task Force on Sudden Cardiac Death published in 2006 contains extensive recommendations in relation to sudden cardiac death. These recommendations include provision for access to defibrillators and the role of voluntary groups and first responders. The Health Service Executive (HSE) was tasked with the responsibility for the implementation of the Task Force Report.
The HSE National Ambulance Service (NAS) has set out a policy in relation to the development, use and governance of Cardiac First Responder Schemes and Fire First Responder Schemes which are available at: www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find_a_Service/ambulanceservice/rptspoliciesandprocedures/firefirstresponderscheme.pdf and www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find_a_Service/ambulanceservice/rptspoliciesandprocedures/firstresponderschemes.pdf
In the context of the above, the HSE NAS is engaged with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government through its Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management to determine the appropriate activation arrangements for the Fire Service.
The HSE does not provide financial support to purchase defibrillators but is in a position to provide input to recommendations regarding approval of National Lottery applications for such equipment.
