Scheme bids to cut heart deaths

THE Irish Heart Foundation yesterday launched a community scheme in a bid to combat the 6,000 deaths a year from heart attacks.

The Heartsafe community programme, launched by President Mary McAleese, aims to “strengthen the chain of survival” by teaching people cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use defibrillators.

Heart disease is Ireland’s biggest killer, claiming the lives of 11,000 people each year, with more than half of those dying suddenly. Around 70% of sudden cardiac arrests happen out of hospital and the survival rate from these is only 1%.

The automatic external defibrillator analyses the heart rhythm and uses voice prompts to advise if a shock is needed. The devices cost around €2,000 each.

Mrs McAleese said: “The Heartsafe community programme is something that’s going to make a huge difference to the lives of individuals and their families.”

Dr William Fennell, president of the IHF, said the programme was about encouraging communities to take steps to save lives.

“In addition, we will strive to have CPR training included in the school curriculum,” he said.