North Longford Community First Responders ready to assist people in their time of need

Zara Connell, Paddy Howe, Yvonne Leslie Donaghy, David Kellegher, Karen Leslie, Madeline McCormack, Bridie Reilly, Ken Leonard, Antoinette Nugent and Phyllis Donnelly at the launch of North Longford

placeholder image — Zara Connell, Paddy Howe, Yvonne Leslie Donaghy, David Kellegher, Karen Leslie, Madeline McCormack, Bridie Reilly, Ken Leonard, Antoinette Nugent and Phyllis Donnelly at the launch of North Longford

The North Longford Community First Responders are celebrating their registration as Cardiac First Responders

North Longford Community First Responders celebrated a milestone launch recently to mark their registration as Cardiac First Responders with the National Ambulance Services.

The Ballinamuck/ Drumlish community responders group was established in 2008, assisting with emergencies in the community, and has 10 public access defibrillators in the Parish.

They have PHECC and Irish Heart Foundation registered instructors in their area. Yvonne Leslie Donaghy is the Coordinator for the North Longford Responders. Yvonne coordinates all the training and online modules responders need.

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“We always helped out in our neighbouring parishes with training. Early last year, in conjunction with the National Ambulance Services, along with people from Ballinamuck, Drumlish, Aughnacliffe, Ballinalee and Clonbroney decided we to look into registering as Cardiac First Responders with the National Ambulance Services,” Yvonne told the Leader.

Following guidance from NAS Community Engagement Officer they formed a committee and started working together as North Longford Community First Responders: “We put a lot of hard work and training into getting where we are now,” Yvonne said.

Since October 11 the responders have been receiving text messages from the National Ambulance Services for Medical Emergencies for up to 10km from their Eircodes: “We assist with Cardiac Arrest Calls, Choking Calls, Chest Pain and Stroke.

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“Our group are from all different backgrounds, mostly with no medical experience. They gave up their time to train to a recognised level to be able to assist members of their communities in their time of need,” Yvonne explained.

The North Longford Community First Responders in conjunction with their launch hosted a fun BEEP BEEP day at Ballinamuck NS on National Restart A Heart Day. They delivered a fun filled information day with CPR training for all the students.