KILDARE: Defibrillator donated to village after heart attack scare
A new defibrillator has been provided in Kill to help avert a potential death in the event of somebody suffering a sudden heart attack.
During 2023 a young teenager from Kill was involved in a sporting event when he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.
Due to the quick reactions of onlookers and the availability of a volunteer community first responder scheme the teen made a good recovery and survived to tell the tale of how the stars aligned to come to his aid.
Community first responders are dispatched by the National Ambulance Service to life threatening cardiac emergencies. Over 80% of cardiac arrests tales do not conclude with a happy ending.
A defibrillator has been donated by the family of the teenager to residents of Earlscourt in the village through the “Forward Hearts” programme - a scheme which lets heart attack survivors donate a defibrillator and potentially save another life.
It was supplied by Heart Safety Solutions, a medical company supplying equipment and devices throughout Ireland.
Local councillor Fintan Brett secured the funding through Kildare County Council for an outdoor heated alarmed cabinet for the defibrillator and this will ensure that the unit is protected in all weather conditions.
Lee Phelan from Shamrock Electrical Supplies in nearby Rathcoole arranged for the installation of the unit as it has to be connected to an electrical source to keep the temperature inside the box regulated, ensuring the device is protected from extreme weather conditions.
Residents of Kill now plan to start up a community first responders group this autumn in conjunction with Amanda Ross, community engagement officer with the National Ambulance Service.
Anyone seeking further information about becoming a CFR will can log on www.becomeacfr.ie or contact the NAS community engagement team on [email protected] or Ms Ross on [email protected]