IMPORTANT LESSONS IN SAVING LIVES
LITTLE Alison Slater was one of the youngest patients attended to by Wicklow Rapid Response ( WWRR) when she suffered a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction on Valentine’s Day this year.
The WWRR doctor was the first on the scene and administered medication to reverse the reaction while National Ambulance Service was on route. Thankfully, Alison made a full recovery in hospital due to the quick intervention.
And to thank WWRR, Alison and her family attended WWRR and Wicklow Town Cardiac First Responders second ‘Save a Life Day’ last Saturday.
The event, which was sponsored by Sinnott Skoda in Wicklow town, was designed to promote public awareness about the ‘Chain of Survival’ and the important role that members of the public can play in saving a life before the arrival of professional emergency services.
‘Save a Life Day’ also promoted the role of the volunteer Community Cardiac First Responder (CFRs) and the volunteer doctor of WWRR.
The event was attended by representatives of the National Ambulance Service, Wicklow Fire Service, Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team and Blood Bikes East in addition to CFRs and the WWRR doctor.
Free training in the recognition and management of cardiac arrest, defibrillation and choking was provided to all who attended, with the result that many members of the public in Wicklow are now aware of how they can help in the case of an emergency.
In relation to Alison’s case, WWRR Chairman, Colm Dempsey said ‘ This case was a perfect example of WWRR and the National Ambulance Service delivering an integrated response to a life threatening emergency.’
Because WWRR Skoda Yeti, RRV is tracked by ambulance control, the dispatcher was able to direct the doctor to the scene as the closest resource, followed by the emergency ambulance.
The volunteer doctor and WWRR team, are when available, always ready to respond to critical emergencies at the request of the National Ambulance Service.