Businesses urged to sign up for defibrillator training

ENNIS businesses are being urged to get involved with training that could potential save somebody’s life. The Ennis defibrillator committee has been raising funds to place defibrillators at key locations in Ennis in an effort to provide life saving devices in the town. They are currently calling on businesses to put forward employees for training in the use of the equipment.
According to chairman of the committee and Ennis town councillor Paul O’Shea, properly trained volunteers are vital to ensure the equipment is used in the right way.
“The committee has so far received donations of over €5,000 from businesses and individuals, which has enabled us to install two defibrillators in O’Connell Square and the Market. The committee is continuing to seek donations as an additional €5,000 is required to install a further two defibrillators in Woodquay and Lower Abbey Street,” he said.
The committee is also asking individuals or businesses to contribute to the fund. Those who donate €50 will be recognised as a ‘Friend’, €100, a ‘Donor’ and €250 a ‘Life Saver’. If a business or individual donates €1,200 or more, their name will be placed above the defibrillator. A web page is due to be set up to recognise those who contribute and anonymous donations are also accepted. The bank details for the project are: AIB, Bank Place, Ennis; Account Name: Defibrillator Ennis; Sort Code: 935387; Account Number: 24311051 or cheques can be sent or cash dropped into Ennis Defibrillator Project; C/O Ennis Chamber, 54 O’Connell Street, Ennis.
The Irish Red Cross Clare branch will provide certified training in the use of defibrillators for the staff of local businesses and the general public living or frequenting the defibrillator locations. 
The training will cost €20, which comprises €10 for one-off certification and €10 for annual membership of the Irish Red Cross which will insure the trainee in the use of the defibrillator. Thereafter, the user must retrain yearly and renew the annual €10 membership to be insured to use the defibrillators. The training takes less than two hours.
The training sessions will be held on Tuesday, August 28 from 10am to 12pm; Wednesday, September 5 from 7pm to 9pm and on Saturday, September 8 from 11am to 1pm.
The training will take place in the Irish Red Cross Training Centre in Clonroadmore Business Park. Places are limited. To book, contact Ennis Chamber, 54 O’Connell Street, 065 6842988.  Payment, made out to ‘Ennis Defibrillators’, is required to secure a place.
According to Councillor O’Shea, “The businesses may sponsor the training of their staff or the staff can pay for their own training. It is important owners and staff who work the most hours in a premises are trained. The list of businesses that have trained staff will be posted on the defibrillators.”
This initiative is part of the process of gaining Heart Safe Town status for Ennis, making it a more attractive place for visitors and contributing to the quest for a Purple Flag for the town.
Members of the Ennis Defibrillator Committee include Councillor Paul O’Shea, chairperson; Muireann Neylon, Clare Language Centre and treasurer; Shirley Benson, Irish Red Cross Clare branch; Brian O’Neill, Rowan Tree Hostel and Café Bar; Ann Norton, Clare Crusaders; John Horgan and Rita McInerney, Ennis Chamber.