New Community First Responders group launched

Edenderry Community First Responders had our first information night on March 2 last in the Edenderry GAA Hall.

The first 21 volunteers came to learn about the group and register. Amanda Ross, Community Engagement Officer from the HSE as well and John Fitzgerald of CFR Ireland, came to give more background on the CFR schemes that are operating throughout Ireland assisting in their communities.

It is hoped that the Edenderry CFR group once live will increase the survivability of patients experiencing chest pain, strokes & cardiac arrests when dispatched by National Ambulance Service by getting there faster than an ambulance will on most occasions.

The group will also work with the community to increase the number of Public Access Defibrillators around town and to engage with businesses and groups that have private AEDs in effort to have them more publicly available. They ask that if you are a business with an AED that you contact them to discuss working together.

Chairperson Philip Maher said: "We hope that sports clubs, businesses and groups that have AEDs will understand that these pieces of life saving equipment do no good if people aren't aware of their location.

"The Edenderry CFR group will assist these groups by servicing the AEDs, replacing expired pads and batteries as well as working with them on getting external lockers to house the AEDS in more accessible locations."

The group plans had their second meeting on March 9 last in the GAA hall to start training, completing mandatory course and organise Garda vetting so that they can start to assist in the community.