North Louth First Responders launch fundraising appeal

By Tamara O’Connell

NORTH Louth Community

First Responders have launched a fundraising appeal on the website GoFundMe.com

The volunteer group is PHeCC trained and approved by the National Ambulance Service (NAS) to attend emergency call outs in our community in line with NAS policies and procedures.

“I set up the group in June 2022. There are 26 members who all live within a 12km radius of Dundalk town,” said Shane O’Hanlon.

Originally from the Avenue Road, Shane is a paramedic who lives in Kilcurry. He said he knew through his work the difference First Responders can make in a crisis situation.

“Cardiac First Responders help start the chain of survival with early Access, CPR and defibrillation prior to ambulance arrival to a scene,” he said.

“every second counts. For every minute passed without effective CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), your chances of survival decrease by 10 per cent.” equipment includes:

In Dundalk town and the wider community, the North Louth Community First Responders respond to cardiac arrest, stroke, choking, and chest pains within a 12km radius 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The group also provides training and demonstrations on performing CPR, managing chest pains, managing a choking incident, identifying a stroke, and acting FAST and using a defibrillator for schools, community clubs, organisations, local businesses, and the wider community.

Funding is required to continue this project and purchase defibrillators and the equipment needed to sustain the group’s voluntary work.

Defibrillators and maintenance costs, high-vis vests for our volunteers, training, and safety equipment such as CPR mannequins and training Aed’s, Audio Visual equipment for teaching in our community, signage for advertisement.

North Louth Community First Responders also purchase defibrillators and place on the front of local businesses for public access and use 24/7.

For more information or to donate please visit Fundraiser by Shane O’Hanlon : North Louth Community First Responders (gofundme.com)