Meet the Kilkenny soldier and fraud analyst saving lives in their spare time

Kilkenny has recently gained an enormously important volunteer service called Kilkenny Critical Community First Responders which launched last month.

The group is made up of 16 members who respond to life-threatening incidents and provide vital care in co-operation with the National Ambulance Service.

Group co-ordinator Paul O'Carroll said: “In the month of February alone, we responded to 12 calls. Everything from a cardiac arrest to chest pain, strokes and choking.”

Two hard-working members have offered to share their story of why they joined the community service; Kathleen O Carroll and Tadhg O'Shea.

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Tadhg is originally from Ballinlough in Cork and now lives in Kilkenny. 

His hobbies are model making, rugby and DIY and is a soldier in James Stephen's Barracks. 

"I joined the CFR because I wanted to contribute to the community I live in. 

"I think that being able to help people in an emergency situation is a privilege. You've a chance to make a difference to someone and make a positive contribution to the community you live in. I really like getting to know new people and learning new skills."

PICTURED ABOVE IS TADHG O'SHEA

Kathleen is a fraud analyst who enjoys hurling, rugby, cooking and flower arranging in her spare time - when she's not saving lives with Kilkenny CFR.

"I joined the CRITICAL Kilkenny CRF group to serve the community and make people aware of this critically important service and to learn life-saving skills for different situations. 

"We help provide immediate and possibly life-saving care following a medical emergency."

Kathleen said that the group is the best way to help save lives in the Kilkenny community and encourages anyone who can to join.

"The more volunteers the less pressure on resources. Our role is providing life saving treatment, gathering vital information calming and reassuring the patient while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. 

"You learn life saving skills from how to use a defibrillator and how to wrap a bandage correctly to help stop excessive bleeding.

PICTURED ABOVE IS KATHLEEN O CARROLL

"What better way to give back to our community by supporting the Emergency Services who work tirelessly everyday. The group also gives reassurance to the local community.

"I really enjoy serving my community, learning and improving on life-saving skills, building confidence and knowledge while being part of a highly trained and supportive team. CFR volunteers are a critical part of the community."