‘Save a Life’ day will showcase a range of lifesaving techniques
WICKLOW Rapid Response and Wicklow Town Cardiac First Responders are holding their ‘Save a Life Day’ at Sinnott Autos, Wicklow Town on Saturday, September 22.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and will mark the launch of the new Rapid Response Skoda Karoq and the presentation of a new lifesaving defibrillator.
The Save a Life day is designed to promote public awareness about the Chain of Survival and the important role that members of the public can play in this to save a life before the arrival of the professional emergency services.
Free training in the recognition and management of cardiac arrest, defibrillation and choking will be available on the day to everyone who attends.
Save a Life Day will also promote the role of the volunteer Community Cardiac First Responders (CFRs) who respond in their local community as well as the senior clinical level that the volunteer doctor of Wicklow Rapid Response can bring to the Chain of Survival in County Wicklow along with the National Ambulance Service.
On Saturday members of the ambulance service, fire service, mountain rescue, coast guard, blood bikes in addition to the community first responders and the Wicklow Rapid Response Doctor will be showcasing their emergency vehicles giving the public the opportunity to see the life saving equipment on board first hand.
One of the biggest highlights is expected to be the new Wicklow Rapid Response Karoq 4WD RRV, sponsored by Sinnott Autos, and its advanced lifesaving equipment along with the new lifesaving defibrillator.
The members of the Wicklow Rapid Response team and the Wicklow Town Cardiac First Responders will also show interested members of the public how to perform CPR, how to use an AED defibrillator, how to recognise the signs of a stroke and how to act, how to help a heart attack victim with chest pain and how to help someone who is choking.
There will also be an opportunity for people to make a donation if desired, to volunteer to become a responder and to become a supporter of both organisations.
The contribution of the Wicklow Rapid Response unit has been immense and last year they responded to 225 emergency calls treating over 200 patients. These included: 30 cardiac arrests 17 paediatric cases; 40 road traffic collisions; four multiple casualty incidents; two agricultural injuries and on stabbing.