Appeal to retain 24/7 first responder service
AN around-the-clock first responder service will be a thing of the past unless new volunteers sign up for training.
An appeal has been made by Carnew Community First Responders for new members to join the group that provides emergency assistance to casualties with suspected heart attack, cardiac arrest, stroke or choking.
There are now just five remaining fully trained volunteers working within Carnew, serving a five mile radius and this is not enough to ensure 24/7 cover.
‘We now have five volunteers on call and to have a 24/7 service we need at least 12,’ explains group member Patricia McEvoy.
‘We have been active since 2005 and since we started we have always been able to provide 24/7 cover but with five people this is impossible. It is such a valuable service to our community and it would be a shame to see it reduced,’ Patricia says.
Carnew Community First Responders are dispatched by the National Ambulance Service once a 999 call has been made.
‘We aim to be with the patient in five to seven minutes and we assess them and provide care until the paramedics arrive. For example, we carry out CPR or use the defibrillator if required or give aspirin to someone having a heart attack. We also advise the paramedics if we suspect someone has had a stroke as in this case time is very much of the essence and they need to be in hospital in under three hours.’
Just a few more responders would make a huge difference to the service, which is lifesaving within the community of Carnew.
The group has also been instrumental in having a public access defibrillator installed at McGirr’s Pharmacy in the town centre.
‘Volunteers can offer as few or as many hours of their time each week as they have available. Even two hours per person would make a huge difference. We hope that when people realise how small the group has gone, they will consider getting involved. Full training is provided as well as ongoing training throughout the year and the responders go in pairs, often with a member of staff from South East Security who are also fully trained responders.’
Carnew Community First Responders also offer classes within the community on using a defibrillator.
For information about community training or to become a volunteer please contact Patricia at 087 2413293.