ESB Head Office rolls out Heart Defibrillators

The human heart acts like a pump to circulate blood through the body. Its main pumping chambers are the ventricles. When rapid heart beating arises in the ventricles, a life-threatening situation can arise. The normal rate of heartbeat is 60-100 beats per minute at rest.

Medical evidence shows that if the heart does not return to a regular rhythm within five to seven minutes after cardiac arrest, the condition could be fatal. The rhythm can be converted back to normal by an electrical shock from an external defibrillator. In line with a new corporate policy to provide defibrillators in ESB premises, Property Facilities Management (PFM) has taken the lead on this in Head Office, by ordering five Units for Fitzwilliam and Merrion Square. In addition, National Grid had acquired another defibrillator for their staff and visitors in D Block.

Following consultation with nominated First Aid Attendants and other parties, it has been agreed that the defibrillators will be deployed in the Fitzwilliam Complex and Merrion Square as follows:

• Main Reception in Fitzwilliam behind Reception Desk

Staff authorised to use the defibrillators must go through a comprehensive training regime, including refresher courses. All Head Office-based First Attendants and Security staff with First Aid training have now received defibrillation training.

In the event of a medical emergency involving a suspected heart attack, staff are advised to ring 26666, which is the number for all medical emergencies in Head Office. This is located in the Central Security Station, which is staffed at all times.

When calling 26666, staff are requested to provide the maximum information possible to the Control Room Operator including:

• Details of the suspected medical problem.
• Details of the precise location where the incident is occurring i.e. room number etc.
• Telephone contact details for the caller.
• But don't hang up until the Security Operative is satisfied that they have all critical details relating to the incident.

Given the criticality of emergency assistance getting to a suspected victim of cardiac arrest without delay, we would ask that all staff note the emergency contact number 26666.

Please store note that number on your mobile phone or in your diary, so that if you come across a medical emergency, you will be in a position to raise the alarm without delay! Your timely action could save a life.