As a result of widespread concern over the death of young sports players, the Ulster Branch, having consulted medical professionals, has taken the lead in ensuring that defibrillators and CPR trained personnel are available at all of the 52 affiliated Rugby Clubs in the Province.

Defibrillators will be supplied free of charge to the 52 clubs and the training package is designed to maximise the number of persons capable of using this essential equipment, should the unfortunate need arise. 

The Ulster Branch will be entering into a partnership with the Chest Heart and Stroke Association to deliver the required levels of training to all clubs.  The training and distribution of the defibrillators began in January of this year and will proceed until all the required personnel are trained.  Each of the 52 Rugby Clubs in the province will have the opportunity to avail of the training and will receive a defibrillator, ensuring maximum safety for all their players.

Like all modern defibrillators, the equipment chosen is designed to be ‘user friendly’ and will guide the user through each stage of the process by means of verbal instruction.

Speaking about the initiative, Ulster Branch Provincial Domestic Game Manager, David Boyd said: “In deciding to support this very worthwhile venture, the Ulster Branch has taken into account not only the unfortunate death of young sports players in recent years, but also the increasing numbers now playing and watching the game of rugby.  The training programme and distribution of the defibrillators to our member clubs falls in line with our ongoing programmes designed to support their structures and procedures. Whilst the provision of defibrillators is seen as an important step, the CPR training is even more significant, and by the end of the initiative, over 600 people will have been trained in CPR. Needless to say, whilst we are happy to provide this equipment, we sincerely hope that its use is minimal.   
Myrtle Neill, Director of Health for N.I. Chest, Heart and Stroke also added: "We congratulate the Ulster Branch on their vision in providing a Defibrillator to each of the 52 clubs in the province. This is potentially a life saving initiative and Chest Heart & Stroke are delighted to be associated with it. Our experience to date at training sessions clearly indicates the appreciation felt by the clubs. Not only does this initiative provide a degree of protection to players but it demonstrates a duty of care by the Branch to spectators, many of whom will be in a higher risk category."

Details of the CPR training schedule can be seen below:

   Date            Club
18/3/08 - Ballymena RFC
20/3/08 - Ballylclare RFC
27/3/08 - Coleraine RFC
1/4/08 - Ballynahinch RFC
3/4/08 - Lisburn RFC
8/4/08 - Rainey O.B. RFC
9/4/08 - Donegal/ Ballyshannon
9/4/08 - Cooke at Ravenhill
10/4/08 - Ballymoney RFC and Armoy RFC
15/4/08 - Portadown RFC
16/4/08 - Holywood/ Shorts/ Grosvenor at Ravenhill
16/4/08 - Letterkenny/ Innishowen
17/4/08 - Clogher Valley RFC
21/4/08 - Enniskillen RFC
22/4/08 - Dromore RFC
23/4/08 - Belfast Harlequins at Ravenhill
23/4/08 - Cavan/ Virginia at Cavan
24/4/08 - Randalstown RFC
28/4/08 - Armagh RFC
29/4/08 - Carrick RFC
30/4/08 - Limavady/ Londonderry YMCA RFC

For further information on the supply of defibrillators or on the CPR training programme, please contact Máire Cahill on 028 90493111 (ext 227) or email maire@ulsterrugby.com