As Heart Month 2024 draws to a close, we are reflecting on the achievements of our Lifesaving Skills Schools Initiative.
182 students trained to save a life
26 post-primary school teachers trained in CPR, AED Defib, Choking and EpiPens
13 schools throughout the Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough area visited in 6 months
7 local schools, 98 students, 14 teachers remaining
To kick off the 23/24 school year, Abbey Centre joined forces with Staff Training NI and Stryker to host the ‘Abbey Centre Lifesaving Skills Schools Initiative.’
The roadshow will ultimately visit twenty post-primary schools throughout the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough area and further afield, to teach fourteen students and two teachers from each school essential lifesaving skills.
The Staff Training NI nurse-led training programme, supported by the Education Authority, teaches the importance of lifesaving skills including CPR, AED Defib, Choking and EpiPens.
Mark Stewart, Abbey Centre, Centre Manager said:
“The aim is that 280 students and 40 teachers will be fully trained in lifesaving skills by the end of the ten month roadshow programme. These 320 students and teachers will be armed with the skills to give someone in need the best possible chance of survival.”
Each of the twenty participating schools receive two free Stryker Defib flat training kits as well as a £100 cash donation from Abbey Centre towards the purchase of a school defibrillator or clinical consumables. Each participating student also receives a certificate of completion and £10 Abbey Centre gift card.
Clare Beswick, Abbey Centre Marketing Manager said:
“A huge thank you to the Staff Training, Stryker and MKB Medical teams, who have been incredible in bringing this initiative to life and delivering the vision. Thank you to the participating schools in welcoming the training initiative and students for their enthusiasm and commitment.
The roadshow recently visited St. Patrick’s College, Ballymena who sadly lost their 37 year old PE teacher Mr Walsh February 2023. A special well done to the year 13 & 14 pupils and teachers who participated in the training during such an emotional time. St. Patrick’s College continue to fund-raise to create The Aidan Walsh Legacy Fund. You can donate at https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-aidan-walsh-legacy-fund.”
