New Community First Responders group launched in Tipperary seeks new volunteers
Bansha CFR Group is now the newest of 251 CFR groups to be established in support of the National Ambulance Service across the country.
Irelands newest Community First Responder Group has just commenced lifesaving operations in Tipperary.
The Bansha Community First Responders (CFR) group officially launched on Sunday June 29, marking a significant step forward in emergency response for the local area.
The group is actively welcoming new volunteers and supporters to expand its capacity and enhance its impact. Community members are encouraged to join this life-saving initiative, whether as trained responders or through fundraising and
logistical support.
For those interested in volunteering or supporting the group, further details can be obtained by contacting the Bansha CFR team directly via email [email protected] or on most social media outlets.
The group went live with the National Ambulance Service, effective Monday, June 30, and is poised to provide critical support during life-threatening emergencies.
According to the Irish Heart Foundation, approximately 5,000 people die from sudden cardiac arrest annually in Ireland, with the majority of incidents occurring at home.
Additionally, stroke affects around 8,000 individuals in Ireland each year, underlining the urgent need for community-driven emergency response initiatives like CFR groups who can provide emergency care in advance of an ambulance arriving on scene.
The group, which was established in early 2024, were supported by the National Ambulance Service Community Engagement Team.
The NAS Community Engagement Officers play a pivotal role in the establishment of Community First Responder (CFR) groups across Ireland. By fostering collaboration, providing essential training, and guiding local communities, they ensure that CFR groups are equipped to deliver timely and effective care during predominantly cardiac, stoke and respiratory related emergencies.
The dedication and expertise of the NAS Community Engagement Team has been instrumental in creating a robust network of
life-saving volunteers nationwide.
Working closely with NAS, the national coordinating body, CFR Ireland also provides vital support and guidance to over 4,500 CFR volunteers and their local responder groups across the country. Bansha CFR Group becomes the 251 st such group to be
established.
These volunteer responders are trained to assist in critical incidents such as cardiac arrests, strokes, choking, and respiratory emergencies, bridging the gap until professional medical teams arrive.
The Bansha CFR group will be tasked to incidents by the National Emergency Operations Centre as soon as an emergency call is received and concurrent to an ambulance being dispatched.
The Responders will serve a wide area centered on Bansha, spanning from Lisvernane in the west to Thomastown in the east. This expansive reach ensures that residents across the region have timely access to emergency assistance during critical situations.
Over the past few months, the Bansha CFR team has undertaken extensive fundraising efforts. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the local community the group has been able to purchase eight new Automated External Defibrillators
(AEDs).
Of these, five will be public access AEDs, strategically placed to maximize availability during emergencies. The remaining three AEDs will be provided to the team to ensure they can respond to calls as quickly as possible.
These AEDs are expected to play a vital role in improving survival rates for cardiac arrest victims. Bansha CFR Group also intend to roll out a programme of CPR and AED training across the community.
These courses will be provided free of charge by the Irish Heart Foundation certified instructors and medical professionals within the group. Speaking at the launch the newly elected chairperson of Tipperary/Cahir/Cashel Municipal District, Cllr Roger Kennedy commended the dedication of the volunteers and wished them well as they go on call with the National Ambulance Service.
The launch of the Bansha Community First Responders group reflects the collective strength of a community coming together to safeguard lives. With their official partnership with the National Ambulance Service and state-of-the-art equipment,
they are prepared to make a meaningful difference for individuals in their time of greatest need.
Photo caption: The photo (By Colin Healy) attached includes from left to right: Cllr Roger Kennedy - Chair Tipperary, Cahir, Cashel MD, Phil Dicker Bansha CFR Group, Liz Browne - Bansha CFR Group, Pauline Chapman - Bansha CFR Group, Daisy Welsh - Bansha CFR Group, Niamh O'Dwyer - Bansha CFR Group, Tony Grey - Bansha CFR Group, Amie Sheehan - Bansha CFR Group, Danny Crotty - Bansha CFR Group, Kevin O'Donnell - Bansha CFR Group, Pat McCarthy - National Ambulance Service, Tony Grogan - Bansha CFR Group, Mark Beer - National Ambulance Service, Cllr John O'Heney - Tipperary Co Co.