The Government has committed $30 million towards a three-year programme to furnish schools with medical equipment, including stretchers, as part of emergency plans at the institutions.

Under the health and safety initiative, commencing this financial year, $10 million will be spent each year to ensure medical emergency standards are achieved for the hosting of sporting activities, says Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid.

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid (left) and parents of the late schoolboy footballer, Dominic James, Denese (centre) and David James (right), display one of the 15 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), presented to schools across the island by Team Jamaica Bickle, at a presentation ceremony held today, (October 14), at JAMPRO head office, in New Kingston.

Addressing a presentation ceremony at JAMPRO, in Kingston, today (October 14), where Team Jamaica Bickle presented 15 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to schools across the island, the Minister said details of the programme will be worked out with school principals, and representatives of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA).

The Minister also said approval has been given for 10 per cent of Government funds to schools to be used for sport development.

Commending Team Bickle for the donation, the Minister said Head of the organisation, Irwine Clare, has taken keen interest in the “promotion of good health and education in Jamaica”.

The AEDS are portable electronic devices that automatically diagnose life-threatening cardiac issues, and are designed to be used by lay persons.

Receiving schools were trained to use the machines by experts attached to the Diaspora Healthcare Sector.

Team Bickle has also partnered with the Jamaica Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, based at the University of the West Indies, to provide ongoing training and support to the recipient schools.

Source: Jamaica Information Service