Blog from Rauri Morgan, LIFE Raft
We are happy to say that there is now an extra publicly accessible defibrillator on Rathlin, making the island an even safer place for residents as well as the thousands of tourists who visit every year.
Rauri Morgan, LIFE Raft, and Marina McMullan, Chair of the RDCA
The defibrillator, installed on the house of residents Stuart and Una, is located about halfway across the island, out to the west. There was already one defibrillator in the harbour by the public toilets, but Rathlin’s small, windy roads can make quick access difficult. And while the Nurse, Coastguard and Fire & Rescue Service are always on hand, there is no Ambulance service, so this defibrillator means that the public and emergency response teams on the island have extra resources on hand.
The ideal location for the next defibrillator was identified in spring of 2024 when LIFE Raft funded a CPR and defibrillator training for Rathlin residents. The event was well-attended, with attendants ranging from 10 to 75 years old. Because of the demand we are running another one in 2025, including one session specifically for the youth club.
LIFE Raft provided funds for the AED case which houses the defibrillator, while the RDCA provided the defibrillator itself.
Marina McMullan, Rathlin resident and Chair of the Rathlin Development & Community Association, said: “Both the training and having access to a defibrillator is an asset to the island and gives us reassurance of a faster response should the worst happen. It is fantastic to see the enthusiasm that everyone has shown, especially our younger residents.”
LIFE Raft is a partnership between RSPB NI; Rathlin Development and Community Association; Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council; National Parks and Wildlife Service; Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust; and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.