Life-saving defibrillators rolled out at every Bank of Ireland branch

 


 

Bank of Ireland has completed the roll-out of life-saving defibrillators across every branch in Northern Ireland, with the final device installed at Belfast City branch, making critical emergency equipment available across the communities the bank operates in.

Commenting on the completion of the roll-out George Higginson, Managing Director, Everyday Banking, Bank of Ireland UK, said:

“Having recently marked 200 years of service locally, our focus remains firmly on supporting the communities that have supported us for generations. Installing accessible defibrillators across all our branches is a practical step we can take to ensure lifesaving equipment is available when it’s needed most.

We know that confidence is critical when every second counts. That’s why we’ve hosted CPR and defibrillator awareness events across our branches, to remove fear, build reassurance, and show just how simple these devices are to use. At the events we were fortunate to be joined by a number of British Heart Foundation volunteers who themselves survived cardiac arrest thanks to the swift use of CPR and a defibrillator, a powerful reminder of the life‑saving difference these interventions make.

The defibrillators have already been called upon 12 times since their installation, demonstrating just how vital they are.”

There for the community

Each of the defibrillators have been fitted outside the branch and made as accessible as possible for community use. The devices have also been registered with The Circuit, the defibrillator network which was developed by the British Heart Foundation in partnership with:

  • the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives
  • Resuscitation Council UK
  • St John Ambulance
  • NHS England

This ensures that whenever a cardiac emergency is called in, emergency dispatchers can immediately see and direct people to their nearest device.

The power to save a life

Welcoming the defibrillator roll-out across Bank of Ireland’s branch network, Fearghal McKinney, Head of British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland, said:

“We’re delighted to see the full rollout of defibrillators across Bank of Ireland’s branch network. Swift access to a defibrillator can be the difference between life and death during a cardiac arrest, and Bank of Ireland’s commitment to making this lifesaving equipment widely available is truly commendable.

We’re especially encouraged by the awareness events the Bank has delivered, giving people the chance to see CPR in practice, learn about RevivR training and gain hands‑on confidence with defibrillator demonstrations. By helping remove the fear of using this vital equipment, the Bank is empowering colleagues and customers to take action when it matters most. It’s a powerful example of a business investing in the health, safety and wellbeing of its communities.

When a defibrillator is needed, every minute counts but many defibrillators never get used because emergency services don’t know where they are or how to access them. That’s why it’s so important that everyone who has a defibrillator, whether in a public place, business or community, registers the device with The Circuit, it really can be the difference between life and death.”

Take 15 minutes out of your day to learn CPR by taking the British Heart Foundation ReviviR training.

Find out more about The Circuit and how to register a device at thecircuit.uk