Four Buncrana First Responders recognised for lifesaving actions
Four Buncrana responders receive national recognition after their quick actions helped save a patient’s life.
Four members of Buncrana Community First Responders (CFR) have been formally recognised by the National Ambulance Service (NAS) following their lifesaving actions at a cardiac arrest earlier this year.
Stephen, Romona, Fiona and Coreen received the honour at a special presentation on Thursday, August 20, after their quick actions at the May 3rd emergency helped save a patient’s life.
Through their quick response, clinical skills and teamwork at the scene, the four responders played a vital role in stabilising the patient. Because of this, the patient survived the cardiac arrest and was later discharged from hospital.
Each of the four responders has received a specially commissioned NAS ROSC pin badge, recognising their individual contribution to the successful outcome.
The recognition is a significant achievement for the four responders and reflects the importance of the work carried out by Community First Responders across the country 365 days of the year.
For Buncrana Community First Responders, however, the honour also represents the dedication of the wider team and the importance of regular training and teamwork.
A cardiac arrest can happen anywhere and at any time, with every second potentially making a difference. Community First Responders are trained to provide immediate assistance while awaiting the arrival of emergency medical services.
The Buncrana team regularly trains together, works through emergency scenarios and shares knowledge and experience, helping ensure its members are prepared to respond when a call comes in, just like it did last May.
The life-saving group said the recognition of the four responders was therefore a reflection not only of their actions on May 3rd, but also of the commitment of every member of the team.
“Every training session, every scenario and every bit of knowledge shared helps prepare our responders for the moment when a call comes in, and someone's life may depend on them,” a spokesperson for Buncrana First Responders said.
“When our responders arrive, they don't work in isolation. They're part of a team that continually trains, supports one another and builds the skills needed to give someone the best possible chance of survival.”
As well as congratulating Stephen, Romona, Fiona and Coreen on receiving the special recognition and paying tribute to every member of Buncrana CFRs, the first raiders also extended a special thanks to John McShane for his continued support, guidance and mentoring of the responders over recent years.
The recognition for the four CFRs provides a powerful reminder of the difference that properly trained community responders can make when faced with a medical emergency and of the importance of having people ready to step forward when every second counts.