A GROUP that will provide cardiac care and other emergency medical assistance to people in Raheny and surrounding areas while they are waiting on an ambulance, has been established.
Raheny Community First Responders comprises local volunteers, trained in CPR and defibrillation.
Every time the National Ambulance Service (NAS) receives a call for the Raheny area, the First Responders will be notified while the ambulance is being dispatched.
If the responder arrives first, they will assist the patient while waiting for the ambulance crew.
The First Responders will respond to five medical conditions – cardiac arrest, heart attack, stroke, choking and drowning.
Joe Mooney, chairperson/coordinator of Raheny Community First Responder group, said:
“Our group is linked to the National Ambulance Service via a mobile phone.
“When a call comes into the NAS from someone within an agreed radius of Raheny the responder receives an automatic text message from the NAS control room with details of the call.
“The responder can respond to the patient to assist the patient while the ambulance is on route.
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Mr Mooney added:
“All responders will be trained Cardiac First Responders and will be carrying oxygen, defibrillator, oxygen mask and other patient care equipment.
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Senator Averil Power (FF) welcomed the establishment of the new group.
“This is a fantastic service which will be of huge benefit to our community,
? she said.
I would like to strongly commend Joe Mooney for taking the initiative to set up the group and the National Ambulance Service for providing training and support for the volunteers.
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Tommy Broughan (Ind) said:
“It’s great to see local members of the community coming together to try and improve outcomes for fellow constituents in need.
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The group is fully funded by donations and needs
?¬3,000 to be fully up and running. If any company would like to make a donation they can email Joe Mooney at Rahenycfr@gmail.com to get more information.