The Argus

First Responders group seek new volunteers

- BY OLIVIA RYAN

The Castlebell­ingham, Dromiskin CFR (Cardiac First Responder) group has now extended to Dunleer.

Chairperso­n Karen Dowling explained the background t o the group.

‘It began with a meeting in O Connells Football Club in Castlebell­ingham with four people attending. There is now a fantastic committee and a strong group of sixteen people.’

Karen attended the meeting along with Bernie Horwel, who is now the main trainer for the group. ‘ Together things began moving and the rest is history. ‘

A Cardiac First Responder assists the community and the National Ambulance Service with certain medical emergencie­s.

‘When we are on duty we will get called out to any cardiac arrest, stroke and heart attack, as well as respirator­y difficulti­es or choking. CPR and defibrilla­tion saves lives. Presently we are covering near- ly 24/7,’ said Karen.

The group are looking for volunteers from Dunleer to assist covering this area, but are also looking to extend the team in Castlebell­ingham and Dromiskin. To become a member, volunteers on duty need to be over the age of 18yrs, have a drivers licence, the use of an insured car and live in the area.’

‘Volunteers that don’t wish to go on duty but would like to be part of our team are more than welcome too. No experi- ence necessary, we provide all the training and support. The group is totally voluntary and depends on the community for its support.’

The group are having a bake sale, coffee and Informatio­n morning on the 27th of October in the Market House in Dunleer from 10am to 1 pm. ‘We hope that people in the area will pop in and support us, everyone is welcome.’

For further enquiries contact Karen Dowling 087 270 6849

 ??  ?? Event in Market House, Dunleer
Event in Market House, Dunleer

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