Gardaí across Kildare are trained to use lifesaving medical kit
The Naas Community First Responders have handed over a defibrillator with the aim of providing a fast response to cardiac incidents affecting people in the area.
The equipment has been assigned to a garda car and it will facilitate better response times. The initiative is the result of a collaboration between the National Ambulance Service, community first responders in Naas, Newbridge and Clane, as well as gardaí based in Naas, and Clane.
A number of gardaí have been trained in resuscitation techniques and to use the equipment, which is deployed to restart a heartbeat in someone who has suffered cardiac arrest.
This life saving initiative will also see gardaí in Newbridge, Kilcullen and Robertstown support local responders in bringing essential life saving equipment to the scene of these critical medical emergencies.
It’s hoped that once training is completed all garda stations and most garda cars will have access to defibrillators.
The gardaí see this partnership as an extension of the excellent first responders scheme operated by the NAS and it’s in keeping with their core mission of the preservation of life. Gardaí have undertaken instructor courses and are volunteering in their own time.