(Members from Dunlavin CFR Group pictured at the unveiling of a new AEDs at Dunlavin’s national school.)
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) within all local communities should be placed on the National Ambulance Service AED Register, to pinpoint the location of the defib devices should they be required by members of the public.
North Leinster’s Community Engagement Officer for the National Ambulance Service (NAS) made these remarks following the recent installation of two new AEDs in Dunlavin, bringing to four the number of devices available to the public in the Wicklow village.
“When a patient is in cardiac arrest, early CPR and the use of a defibrillator gives the best chance of survival and having AEDs close by is essential in this regard,” according to Amanda Ross.
The AEDs and cabinets in Dunlavin were secured through a combination of funding and donations from Wicklow County Council, Trench Control, Essential Health and Safety Training and Consultancy Ltd, The Ireland Funds’ Heart of the Community and ‘Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Strategy for Ireland’ funding.
Michelle Brewster, co-ordinator of Dunlavin CFR Group, said, “We are always looking to strengthen the chain of survival in our community. As well as the other defibrillators in Dunlavin, these will also be linked to the NAS emergency dispatch system and will be available for public use in a cardiac emergency.
“We want to thank Dunlavin Fire Station and Jonathon Swift National School for allowing access to their buildings and helping us to deliver lifesaving equipment to the community.”
Aisling Grace, Chairperson of Dunlavin & District Forum, said that the community spirit and the many volunteer community groups in Dunlavin all work to make it a better, nicer, safer place to live and work. Dunlavin CFR Scheme celebrates 17 years in operation this year.
