The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, TD launched the report on the Task Force and Sudden Cardiac Death “Reducing the Risk: A Strategic Approach” on the 2nd of March 2006.
In welcoming the Report the Tánaiste noted that out of the 5,000 Irish people who die from sudden cardiac death in any year there is a small number of young people who lose their lives to sudden cardiac death. The Tánaiste went on to say that “it is clear from the Task Force Report that reducing the numbers of sudden cardiac death in Ireland presents a major challenge. This challenge can only be met by a concerted effort from all involved, including the statutory and voluntary services and the community”. The Tánaiste went on to state that the Health Service Executive would be tasked to ensure that the reports recommendations were implemented.
In summary the recommendations of the report cover the following areas:
- The prevention of SCD;
- The detection of those at high risk;
- Risk assessment of those engaged in sports and exercise;
- Equipment and training programmes to improve the outcome of those suffering from sudden cardiac collapse;
- The establishment of appropriate surveillance systems.
The Task Force Report document can be downloaded directly as a PDF document from the Department of Health Website at www.dohc.ie/publications/sudden_cardiac_death.html
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