Press Statement
Alex Easton MP – Member of Parliament for North Down
I am issuing a clear call today to all organisations, businesses, schools, churches and community groups across Donaghadee and the wider North Down area: if you are responsible for a defibrillator, please ensure it is registered.
Defibrillators save lives — but only if emergency services know where they are. That is why it is vital that every publicly accessible device is registered on The Circuit, the national defibrillator network supported by the British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland. The Circuit allows emergency call handlers to direct members of the public to the nearest available defibrillator during a cardiac arrest. When every second counts, that information can mean the difference between life and death.
Members of the public can also locate their nearest registered defibrillator by visiting [https://www.defibfinder.uk/](https://www.defibfinder.uk/), helping people familiarise themselves with where devices are situated in their area.
Over the past year, we have seen real progress in Donaghadee. The number of registered defibrillators has increased from 10 to 16 — a 60 per cent rise in registered availability. That is something the community can be proud of.
This includes newly installed defibrillators at Donaghadee Primary School and Donaghadee Community Centre — important additions that strengthen protection for local residents.
However, more can be done.
I am aware that there are still defibrillators in Donaghadee and across North Down which have not yet been registered. Registration only takes a few minutes at http://www.thecircuit.uk), but it ensures the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service can immediately guide someone to the nearest device in an emergency.
I would strongly urge anyone responsible for a defibrillator — whether in a business, sports club, church, school or community building — to register it today.
This is a simple step, but it could save a life.
Alex Easton MP
Member of Parliament for North Down
