A shocking question: Kildare County Council asked to provide list of defibrillators throughout Clane-Maynooth Municipal District

Kildare County Council was asked at a recent meeting if it could provide a list of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District (MD).

The query was raised at the latest MD meeting, which was held on Friday, April 4 last, by Social Democrats Cllr Peter Melrose.

Cllr Melrose appeared at the meeting by virtual means.

In response to his question, Kildare County Council explained via its report at the meeting that AEDs around the county are installed and maintained by many different community groups and organisations.

RESPONSIBILITY

The council elaborated: "It is the responsibility of each organisation to ensure that AEDs are working correctly and serviced.

"It is also the responsibility of each organisation to ensure that AEDs are registered with the National Ambulance Service."

Kildare County Council continued: "Once the AED information is registered with the National Ambulance Service, emergency services can direct the public to the nearest AED and increase a person’s chance of survival.

"Kildare County Council does not maintain a listing of all available AEDs located in Kildare."

In addition, the council told the local representatives that a map showing AED locations around Ireland can be viewed online at https://rescue.ie/.

CLLR'S FEEDBACK

After receiving the council's report, Cllr Melrose said that he welcomed it, but pointed out that the website is difficult to use on a mobile device, and that the app version of the website currently appeared to be out of service.

Despite this, he added: "When it [the website]works, its great."

Social Democrats Cllr Peter Melrose. Photo credit: kildarecoco.ie

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