Deepforde ready for action with defibrillator
DEEPFORDE estate in Drogheda has proudly taken possession of a new 24/7 defibrillator, installed in a prominent position on the left-hand side wall, just passed the entrance pillars.
It took weeks of organisation by The East Meath Cardiac Responder Unit to get this installed, and co-ordinator Jim Shields says he is delighted how supportive the residents have been.
“Now we have the task of demonstrations on how to perform CPR and how to use a defibrillator for up to 500 residents,” he says with a laugh. “We will do this over the coming weeks adhering to strict social distancing and proper hygiene measures in place.”
However, it’s no laughing matter if someone has a heart attack, and these simple-to-use machines can save lives.
“If you see someone in difficulty, call an ambulance,” he adds, ‘ but the defib is in a green box and to remove there’s two clips at the bottom.
Gently open them. Remove Defibrillator. If used or pads need replaced contact the telephone number on the Defibrillator”.
Special thanks go to Ciaran Leddy and the other residents for all the hard work that went into getting the lifesaving Defibrillator installed, and Emmet Grogan Assist Electrical and all his team of registered electricians who have Installed nine Public Access Defibrillators in the community over the years, free of charge.
“East Meath Defibrillator Unit will be running weekly checks with the assistance of the residents, and we will now be demonstrating how to use the Defibrillators every Saturday to all residents,” explains Jim. “Social distancing will apply at all times amd some residents will be doing a CPR course.”
Since the group started installing Defibrillators in Laytown, Bettystown, Mornington, Julianstown and Donacarney in 2012, this brings the total number to 10, plus they have a spare defibrillator in case they need to remove one so the community is not left without these important life saving devices.
“A big shout out to Karen from All Sorts of Photography for her continued support, and Firstaidshop.ie, Pat’s Centra Bettystown, Pats Supermarket Laytown, GT Group, Drogheda Independent, Southgate Shopping Centre, Crazy fruit, Meath Crime Prevention, Thomas Byrne Auctioneer & Valuer, LMFM, residents of Deepforde, and Drogheda Ambulance Station,” adds Jim.
“If you would like to know how to use the Defibrillators contact us on the facebook page : Facebook.com/eastmeathdefibunit, and all residents and the community can contact us via Facebook or email: emdu2019@hotmail.com and we can book in slots.”
Ambulance control have been notified of the location of Defibrillator Eircode: A92 E3VC.