Edenderry CFR unveils new AED's
Edenderry Community First Responders recently unveiled the first two Public Access Defibrillators (PAD's) in Edenderry Town this last week as part of their goal to dramatically increase the availability of AED’s in the area.
Since their formation in early February the group has gone from strength to strength with training of a core group of volunteer responders progressing towards targeted go live date this summer. The group have been training for scenarios which they might be called upon such as cardiac arrests, strokes, choking & chest pain patients developing the skills they need to be able respond effectively while waiting for National Ambulance Service to arrive.
Through grants provided by Edenderr Town Council, Offaly County Council & small local business donations the group has purchased training manikins & trainer AED’s however most notable and significant has been the installation of two AED lockers located at the town hall on the wall of Eden Decor and at the end of the Canal on the Fianna Fail offices. These initial two locations will shortly be added to by a third locker however the group is still waiting for funding to purchase the third AED to go into it.
Speaking with the group Chairperson, Philip Maher we asked him what was next, “For Edenderry CFR we aim to eventually have over 15 public access Defibrillators available. The majority of these we hope to purchase from grant applications & business donations however we also aim to work with the businesses & clubs that currently or are planning to purchase AED’s in the hope they will make them publicly accessible.”
The AED’s & lockers were purchased from Ce-Tek Medical with the lockers alarmed & the AED’s themselves fitted with motion sensors & tracking to prevent tampering.
The group has again asked that those businesses with AED’s to contact them (email; [email protected]) to discuss how they can help & should you wish to support the group they have recently also launched a GoFund me campaign to purchase additional AED’s for the town which can be found (https://gofundme.com/f/life-saving-equipment-for-edenderry-aeds).
The group looks forward to offically launching shortly once all training has been completed & volunteers signed off & when they do we will be sure to continue our support of them along with the community.