In a significant step to enhance safety across its services, Apex Housing Association (Apex) has completed the installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across all its supported living schemes, providing tenants, staff and visitors with immediate access to life-saving equipment in the event of a cardiac emergency.

The rollout saw AEDs installed at 24 supported living schemes across Northern Ireland, reinforcing Apex’s ongoing commitment to providing safe, supportive environments for the people who live and work within its communities.

AEDs can play a crucial role in improving survival rates following a cardiac arrest by delivering a controlled electric shock to help restore a normal heart rhythm while emergency services are on their way. By administering a shock within four minutes of a cardiac arrest, survival rates can increase by to up to 80%.

Deirdre Walker, Executive Director of Supported Living, commented:

“The safety and wellbeing of our tenants and residents is at the heart of everything we do, and we are delighted to have installed AEDs across all of our supported living schemes. While we hope these devices are never needed, having them readily available provides reassurance for tenants, residents, staff and visitors should an emergency arise. 

We are grateful to the team at MKB Medical for their support in helping us deliver this important project, which will help make our schemes even safer places to live and work.”

Mark Bailie, Owner of MKB Medical, said:

“Every minute counts when someone suffers a cardiac arrest, so having an AED readily available can make the difference between life and death. We were delighted to work alongside Apex Housing Association on this project, ensuring every supported living scheme is equipped with this vital life-saving equipment.

By making the decision to invest in the Lifepak CR2 AED, Apex has demonstrated a genuine commitment to the safety and wellbeing of its tenants, staff and visitors, and we are proud to have played a part in helping create safer communities across Northern Ireland.”

Apex provides supported housing for people with mental ill health, learning disabilities, alcohol/drug addictions, those who are physically disabled, older people and young people in need of support.  Its supported living schemes are located across Northern Ireland including Belfast, Coleraine, Derry~Londonderry, Limavady, Strabane and Omagh.

For more information about Apex, visit www.apex.org.uk.