New defibrillators installed in 11 NCT centres
New defibrillators have been installed in a number of National Car Testing Service (NCTS) centres across Ireland.
Installed by NCT operator Applus, these defibrillators will ensure that anyone experiencing life threatening heart trauma and in need of having their heart re-started will have a greater chance of survival.
The defibrillators have been installed in all 11 high-volume centres, which combined serve over one million drivers on an annual basis.
These include NCT centres in Galway, Blarney, Cork Little Island, Limerick, Waterford, Naas, Greenhills, Deansgrange, Fonthill, and Northpoint 1 & 2.
According to Applus, all NCT centres have a trained first aider who is also trained in the use of a defibrillator in each of its 50 test centres nationwide.
Each defibrillator is also registered with the National Ambulance Register so in the event of an 999/112 call, the ambulance service will be able to notify people in the area of its location.
Mark Synnott, Applus MD (right) with Billy Ryan
Mark Synnott, managing director of Applus Inspection Services Ireland commented: “Applus are thrilled to have a potentially life saving defibrillators installed in a number of our centres and even though I hope we never have to use them; it is reassuring to know that they are there on site and our staff have the essential training to use them.
“Additionally, our NCTS centres are all located in busy industrial estates, so these defibrillators will not just assist NCTS customers but anyone in the area that needs treatment quickly.”
Applus has dedicated the defibrillator in the Waterford test centre in memory of David Ryan, who sadly passed away recently while at the NCT centre. Staff there were quick to call for medical assistance and made David comfortable while at the centre.
His father Billy Ryan visited the NCTS centre recently and said: “We are very appreciative of the NCTS staff who assisted with David on the day. We know that David will forever be remembered by the NCTS staff who have dedicated this life saving equipment in his honour.”