Defibrillators ‘are not toys – they can help save lives’
By Mary Dennehy
AN APPEAL has been made for communities to spread awareness of the importance of defibrillators, after a life-saving device was removed from a public space in Kilnamanagh.
There are currently three community-based defibrillators in Kilnamanagh, all fundraised for by local people and businesses.
The empty defibrillator case in Kilnamanagh
On Halloween night, one of the devices was removed from its location outside St Kevin’s Church.
Thankfully, the defibrillator was found dumped near by the following day – and wasn’t badly damaged.
However, the Kilnamanagh CFR (Cardiac First Responders) Group has asked parents and guardians to talk with young people about the importance of defibrillators.
According to Patricia Doherty, of Kilnamanagh CFR: “We are asking parents to let kids know of the importance of defibrillators and of how the community fundraised so hard to get them.
“It’s important to educate kids on the importance of defibrillators and that [these devices] can save a life.
“If someone went looking for the defibrillator that night, it would not have been there.
“We were glad to get it back and undamaged . . . but we need to ensure that they are not removed.”
She added: “We will be going into local schools to let everyone know the importance of defibrillators and what they are for.
“We need to make everyone aware that they are not toys, they are a valuable piece of equipment . . . that the community owns.”
The Kilnamanagh Community First Responders (CFR) Group was established three years ago and, within that time, three defibrillators, fundraised for by the community, have been installed within the area.
There are defibrillators at the Kilnamanagh Community Centre and St Kevin’s Church, with a third device recently erected within Parkhill.
The defibrillator at St Kevin’s church is due to be replaced.
To volunteer as a Kilnamanagh first responder or to take part in up-and-coming community training days visit the Kilnamanagh CFR Group Facebook page.
