Vandals put lives at risk during storm as they damage defibrillator
Vandals put Riverchapel residents lives at risk during the snow storm last week as they damaged the defibrillator at the Community Complex.
‘There is an ongoing investigation,’ said Unit Coordinator for Riverchapel and Courtown Community First Responders Darren Bassett. ‘Luckily it was just the cabinet that was damaged, but we had to remove the defibrillator while it was being repaired.’
The Community First Responders have since repaired the defibrillator and it is now up and running again. Darren said the AED costs €100 to replace it each time it is damaged.
Cathaoirleach of Gorey Municipal District Cllr Joe Sullivan said ‘it is just mindless vandalism’. ‘It is crucial these machines are up and running, especially at such a terrible time when the weather is bad and emergency services can’t get around,’ added Cllr Sullivan.
Local councillor Robbie Ireton said it is not the first time it has happened and it probably won’t be the last.
‘I hope these people don’t ever have to use the machine for their family,’ said Cllr Ireton. ‘It is only until then will they see the importance of these machines, it is absolutely ridiculous.’
Damage to the defibrillator casing in Riverchapel illustrates the need for legislation to be enacted immediately to address this issue.
The Life Saving Equipment Bill 2017, which was drafted by Senator Dr Keith Swanick, could jail or impose a huge fine to those convicted or tampering with a life saving device.
Deputy James Browne TD said the thugs who carry out acts such as these have no comprehension whatsoever as to their actions or what the consequence may be.
Deputy Browne said: ‘They don’t understand the level of hard work put in by the Community First Responders and the fundraising they undertake to get such a vital piece of equipment and to train people for its use.’
Senator Swanick said the ‘incident in Riverchapel is a disgrace’. ‘The fact this happened during a most challenging period with red and orange weather warnings makes it all the more distressing,’ added Senator Swanick.