New defib machine installed
A new defibrillator has been installed in the Grange Rath estate in Drogheda.
The defibrillator was installed by the East Meath Cardiac First Responders (EMCFR) following a fundraising campaign in the area.
It was unveiled last Saturday, with the first responders on site for the number of hours holding demonstrations for local residents.
The equipment is now fully functioning in case of emergencies in the community.
The East Meath First Responders erected a small marquee on the green opposite Southgate Shopping Centre on Saturday, October 14th and were present on the day from 12pm to 6pm, showing residents how to access the new defibrillator, how to open the case and most importantly how to use it.
The members also carried out CPR demonstrations on the day giving people the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the defibrillator.
The group said they were delighted to be able to install a defibrillator in this busy area on the Dublin Road and said it is an important piece equipment which could potentially save lives in the future.
THE EMFRU said they are also open to new members and revealed they meet on the third Thursday of every month in the red brick building in Donacarney.
‘We would welcome anyone to come along and learn CPR, either as a once off or to be a member of our team,’ said a spokesperson.
When a person collapses due to an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, it is essential that the community can recognise what is happening and can act quickly by calling 112/999, and following the instructions given, to begin CPR as soon as possible. Every minute without CPR will reduce the chance of cardiac arrest survival by 7 – 10%.
The new defibrillator machine in Grange Rath was installed following a fundraising drive in the estate.
THE East Meath Cardiac Response Unit carried out two door to door collections in the area over the past number of months to fund this vital piece of equipment.
Amongst those who received training in the defibrillator and CPR last Saturday was Trevor Elliot from Drogheda Presbyterian church and some of the congregation.
The EMCRU will be running a course soon for the church and if anyone wants to do course please contact Jim on 086-1962636.
THE EMCRU are sent to calls from ambulance control for Cardiac Arrest, Chest Pain, Stroke and other incidents.