The University of Technology, Jamaica received two (2) automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, through Team Jamaica Bickle’s Defibrillator to Schools Programme.
The portable life-saving devices are used to provide first aid medical care to individuals who experience sudden cardiac arrest. They are also designed to administer electrical shocks to help resuscitate the rhythm of the heart for individuals so impacted. UTech, Jamaica was among 35 educational institutions and Sport Associations to receive the AED units during an official handing over ceremony, held at the university’s Alfred Sangster Auditorium, Papine Campus.
Staff members from the benefiting schools and sports associations will also be trained in the use of the defibrillators. This will be facilitated by Team Jamaica Bickle with the help of some of its medical sponsors.
Team Jamaica Bickle, a diaspora non-profit organization based in the United States, embarked on its Defibrillator to Schools Programme in 2014, following the tragic loss of St. Jago High School’s Cavaughn McKenzie during a cross-country meet in Tobago. This situation along with the latter passing of St. George’s College’s Dominic James in 2016, who collapsed during a Manning Cup game, bolstered the need for emergency resources to be readily available at school’s sporting events.
Having responded to this need nine years ago, Team Jamaica Bickle has donated over 100 AED units and facilitated training for over 400 administrators and officials from learning institutions through the school sporting initiative. This latest donation on Wednesday is valued at $75,000 US dollars with secondary and tertiary institutions as well as several sporting associations benefiting. Team Jamaica Bickle prides itself as a leading philanthropic body that provides support for Caribbean athletes competing in international meets, especially at the renowned annual Penn Relays.
President, University of Technology, Jamaica, Dr. Kevin Brown who is also a qualified England Cricket Board (ECB) coach and an English Association (EFA) coach, in his welcome at the handing over ceremony, noted that “these devices are a welcome addition to our sports programme at the university.” He said that though he hopes there will be no need to use them, the devices “will certainly enhance our capacity to respond effectively in the event of an emergency involving our student athletes.” Dr. Brown also expressed gratitude to Team Jamaica Bickle for the training of four members of staff from UTech, Jamaica’s Department of Sport.
Dr. Brown underscored the importance of the AED units stating, “the sport department will be charged with the mission of ensuring that every game at the University of Technology has the defibrillator present.” He added that UTech, Jamaica “is in solidarity with Team Jamaica Bickle’s drive to ensure that none of our treasured athletes competing in sports who may fall ill, risk death because of lack of access to emergency resources.”
Minister of Education and Youth, Honourable Fayval Williams commended the efforts of Team Jamaica Bickle and their diaspora partners towards physical education and sports programme in the nation’s schools. “Today we would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to Team Jamaica Bickle for their invaluable contribution to our educational institutions.” She noted that the provision of the AED machines along with the training that the group has extended to the institutions and their officials is commendable. “This initiative is not only enhancing the safety and wellbeing of our young athletes, but it also highlights the importance of preparedness in times of emergency.”
Chairman, Team Jamaica Bickle, Mr. Irwine Clare during his address, described the undertaking of his organization as “a labour of love.” He explained that his team along with numerous individuals and companies from the diaspora have been honoured to serve since the inception of the initiative “out of love for our nation” and “love for our people.”
Continuing, he said, “our athletes lead the way in demonstrating their professionalism and discipline towards their craft” and “as supporters of what they do, we have to step up our game.” He restated Team Jamaica Bickle’s commitment to investing in “youth especially in sport as one of the avenues for endorsing self-actualization.” He thanked sponsors which include Jamaica National Foundation, Dennis Shipping Company Inc., Jamaica Fire Brigade, The Nurses Association of Jamaica and The National Resuscitation Council of Jamaica for supporting the island wide defibrillator programme.
