———-

Delighted to report an update on this story from eight months ago - the defibrillator at Supervalu has been moved outdoors! Thanks Leonard, Angela, and staff for this gesture, which could save a life.

​

​

We have also been told that there are also two outdoor defibrillators in Furbo - one outside Padraicín’s, and the other in the bus shelter opposite the Connemara Coast Hotel.

​

———————————-​

January 2018​

We came across an interesting initiative by Carrigaline Community First Responders - 24-hour access to a life-saving defibrillator. 

Some may not realise this, but we have at least three in our community - one located in the foyer of Clarkes SuperValu, beside the halla in Scoil Sheamais Naofa, and the third in Bearna Golf Club.

A defibrillator can save someone from the jaws of death by shocking the heart into a rhythm that is compatible with life. 

Not much is known about the ones we have in Bearna-Na Forbacha though. Who is trained in their use? What happens if they are needed after hours? Is there an emergency contact number in the event that one is needed? Appreciate if anyone could fill us in. 

24-hour Access would be fantastic but, apparently, the suppliers of these machines are not keen on them being so easily accessible. 

Wouldn’t it be great to replicate what the community in Carrigaline has done - volunteers are trained to assist the emergency services and the community by attending cardiac/ respiratory arrest or choking emergencies. 

P.S. good tip from the Carrigaline volunteers - have your Eircode handy to help members of the emergency services find your address without delay. If you're not sure what it is, visit: www.eircode.ie to find out.