Volunteers to mark First Aid Day

VOLUNTEERS with the local Irish Red Cross in Dublin 15 will be hosting an event today (September 14) to celebrate World First Aid Day.

Taking place at Blanchardstown Shopping Centre’s main entrance, volunteers will be on hand throughout the day from 9am to 6pm.

Activities will include free CPR and defibrillator lessons for all ages, and people can have their blood pressure taken for a small donation.

Volunteers will be sharing the work of the Red Cross and offering recruitment information for anyone interested in joining their team.

The main push behind the event is that the charity is currently fundraising to purchase a new emergency ambulance, which will serve the local community and beyond for years to come.

“We are looking forward to meeting lots of people on the day, sharing the work that we do in the community and raising awareness of fundraising efforts for the new emergency ambulance,” said Dublin 15 Unit Officer Barry County.

The charity relies completely on donations from local people and businesses as well as grants to keep their work going. Fundraising is an important part of their activities throughout the year.

“This event is an important date in our calendar each year for fundraising and awareness,” said Branch Secretary Celia Durnin.

“We are grateful to the centre management team for their ongoing support.”

The local charity has been involved in providing first aid cover at local events, first aid training, and providing health and social care services in the community since 1987.

They can also be called upon during times of severe weather, and were active during Storm Emma/The Beast from the East in transporting patients from hospital, to hospital, and responding to requests from the community.

They also have an active youth section, with members taking part in a wide range of programmes such as first aid training, youth awards programmes, and leadership courses.

While the unit is staffed entirely by local volunteers, funds donated by local people and businesses go straight to new emergency equipment and training materials.

You can find more information on all their social media at Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @D15RedCross.