Free life-saving course in Newmarket
A free training programme which teaches participants how to respond to a cardiac emergency and how to use a defibrillator is available in Newmarket.
Kieran Linehan of Health and Safety Services was watching TV recently where he saw an interview with Killarney teenager, Tom Greaney who was coaching a local team when he suddenly collapsed on December 30, 2014. Tom didn’t have a history of heart problems when he suffered a ventricular fibrillation which led to a cardiac arrest. Tom’s friend, Brendan Coppinger administered the life saving treatment.
Mr Linehan told The Corkman that as he watched the programme he began to think of all the 18 football and hurling clubs in the Duhallow region, along with basketball, camogie, ladies football, soccer, boxing, cycling and many more clubs, who would benefit from training in the use of defibrillators. Along with his colleague, Yvonne Brosnan, they set about preparing the course which aims “to train as many people as possible in this life saving technique.”
Closer to home in 2009, Cullen native, Diarmuid O’Connell who was 23 years-old at the time was playing football in Castlemagner when he fell to the ground. It was only for the fast-action of fellow teacher and player, Gerard O’Leary, who recognised the signs and immediately started to perform CPR which saved his life. Afterwards, Diarmuid paid tribute to his friend and said he didn’t remember much about what happened but the reason he was alive was thanks to CPR.
Mr Linehan said for the months of March and April they will run the one night course which takes three hours. This week six members of clubs in the region have undertaken the free course. Mr Linehan said the participants enjoyed it.
The training that they have received could one day save a persons life.
The dates for the course at Health and Safety Services are March 29, April 4, April 11, April 18 and April 25.
Anyone who is seeking any further information on the free course can contact Yvonne Brosnan on 029 60633.