New First Responder Group Launches in Balbriggan to Save Lives

A new community first responder group has been established in Balbriggan, a town in north county Dublin, to address life-threatening emergencies. This initiative, consisting of 16 volunteers, aims to provide immediate assistance for critical situations such as cardiac arrests, strokes, and choking incidents.

The group was formed in collaboration with CRITICAL, an emergency medical response charity that operates across 21 counties in Ireland. Since the start of the year, CRITICAL’s network of volunteers has responded to 1,231 incidents, showcasing the urgent need for such services in local communities.

Community Impact and Training

Tasked by the National Ambulance Service, the Balbriggan group will respond to emergency calls made to 999 and 112 within their area. The volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, including healthcare, education, business, and trades, as well as retirees, all united by a common goal: to help others in times of crisis.

David Tighe, CEO of CRITICAL, emphasized the significance of this new team, stating, “Our responders are having a significant impact in cities, towns, villages, and rural areas across the country, working closely with the National Ambulance Service to respond to emergencies in their local communities.” With a population nearing 25,000, Balbriggan is now better equipped to handle urgent medical situations.

One of the volunteers, Walter, noted that the establishment of the group was prompted by the lack of publicly accessible defibrillators in the area. He stated, “This highlighted a potential gap in the chain of survival.” A local town hall meeting facilitated the formation of the group, which has been training since January.

Comprehensive Training and Preparedness

All volunteers have been trained to the CFR-C standard through a program delivered by CRITICAL, in alignment with National Ambulance Service requirements. The training includes scenario-based sessions designed to prepare responders for real-life emergencies, ensuring they are ready to act when every second counts.

CRITICAL’s network of volunteers includes a variety of professionals, such as doctors, off-duty paramedics, EMTs, and advanced paramedics, all committed to enhancing community safety. The charity relies on fundraising and public donations to expand its services and reach more communities in need.

The establishment of the Balbriggan first responder group marks a significant step toward improving emergency response capabilities in the area. With a dedicated team of trained volunteers, the community is now better prepared to face life-threatening situations, ultimately saving lives and supporting those in need.