Launch of Public Access Defibrillation scheme 

Carnew community first responders launched their Public Access Defibrillation Scheme on Monday 27th May 2013 in Coláiste Bhríde, Carnew, Co. Wicklow.

 
Carnew First Responders were set up in April 2004 to assist the national ambulance service as a crucial link in the chain of survival. 
Carnew community strengthened their link in the chain by launching their public access defibrillator scheme following the purchase of another defibrillator and placing it on the main street, on the wall of the local pharmacy, Mc Girr’s.



In February 2013, Carnew Model Exhibition choose Carnew Community Responders to be the beneficiary of their show. The whole community supported the responders when they made the community aware that they planned to use the money to purchase two defibrillators - one for Coláiste Bhríde and one for the Main Street.
The responders were very humbled after the event as it was the biggest Model Exhibition in the country with up to 60 exhibitors and €5,800 the total raised. It was beyond all expectations.

 
(Click on image to take you to the exhibition)


The launch night attracted many people from the local community including local children, businesses, representatives from organisation affiliated to the responder schemes and invited guest speakers such as:
  • Mr John O’Reilly, Training and Development Officer for Wicklow County Community First Responders.
  • Mr Des Kelly, National Ambulance Service 
  • Mr John Fitzgerald, Secretary Wicklow County First Responders
  • Ms Linda Dunne, Principal Coláiste Bhríde Carnew
  • Ms Patricia Mc Evoy, Trainer with Carnew First Responders
  • Mr Billy Timmins, FG TD for Wicklow. Billy has played a huge role in setting up community responders in Wicklow. He officially launched the Public Access Defibrillation scheme.

Other Carnew defibrillators:

  • Candy’s of Carnew were the first business to purchase a defibrillator. It is located in their forecourt. Carnew Responders trained approximately 20 staff and recently 6 further staff were trained.
  • Carnew Emmett’s GAA club also purchased a defibrillator and 12 club members were trained in its use.
  • Coláiste Bhríde has a defibrillator and 21 staff members have been trained in its use. 

There are now a total of 5 defibrillators in the Carnew area providing a community response 24/7, 365 days a year.
 

Photos from the Launch night:


Back row L-R: John Fitzgerald, Wicklow County First Responders, Mervin Castles, John Castles, Trevor Walshe, Richie Kimmins(Carnew Model Exhibition Committee) John Kelly, Training and Development Office Wicklow First Responders.

 Front row L-R: Breda O'Sullivan, Trainer Carnew First Responders, linda Dunne, Principal Colaiste Bhrid, Patricia McEvey, Trainer Carnew First Responders, Mary Donohue, Chairperson Carnew First Responders, Des Kelly National Ambulance Service.




Joe Sinnott was at the launch night with his mum Trudi pictured here with John Fitzgerald from Wicklow County First Responders. Jo was so impressed with the demonstration he had to try it for himself.