CFR response to serious incidents in Enniscorthy town

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy Civil Defence and Enniscorthy Red Cross volunteers have amalgamated to establish a Community First Responder (CFR) Group for Enniscorthy town.

The group consists of trained volunteers from both organisations who will respond to cardiac arrest and choking incidents in Enniscorthy town. The group is made up of volunteers who are first aid trained and is a joint initiative of the two organisations who are working closely with the National Ambulance Service (NAS).

Jonathan Lynch said; “The National Ambulance Service is delighted to work with Wexford Civil Defence and Enniscorthy Red Cross to bring

a Community First Responder scheme to the town. We are grateful to the volunteer members who have given so freely of their time in preparation for this and upon activation will join over 260 other first responder schemes nationwide in responding to cardiac emergencies within the community in support of the Ambulance Service”.

The volunteers will be alerted to calls by National Ambulance Service (NAS) via a mobile application, once two volunteers are available, they will respond utilising the existing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) which are located around Enniscorthy town and where installed by the Enniscorthy defibrillator initiative group.

Speaking at the Launch Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr. John O’Rourke said: “I am delighted to see the launch of the Enniscorthy Town CFR group. It is a welcome step towards helping communities to take immediate action in emergency situations. This early attendance could literally be the difference between life and death where every minute counts. I would encourage members of the community to join the group to help save more lives and foster a sense of community resilience.”

The CFR group will utilise existing AEDs which have been located at various locations around the town, and will go ‘LIVE’ from next Monday, May 27^th, and will respond to calls received from the National Ambulance Service.

If anyone is interested in joining the Group, please contact Peter O’Connor, Civil Defence Officer, email cdo@wexfordcoco.ie or Paddy Redmond, Enniscorthy Red Cross, email adu.wexford@irishredcross.com.