St John Ambulance Ballyfermot launch new bicycle response unit
By Maurice Garvey
ST JOHN Ambulance Ballyfermot division have launched a bicycle response unit, which will be utilised for events with large crowds.
The bikes have been fitted with first aid equipment and were donated by Long Mile Road business Eurocycles Eurobaby.
Mick Cardiff of St John Ambulance is presented with a defibrillator
The response unit was launched at the Remembrance fun run in the Phoenix Park.
Kylemore business Emergency Care Products also donated a defibrillator to St John Ambulance Ballyfermot.
“The bikes are critical to the type of events with large crowds and where the ambulance cannot respond swiftly to patients,” said Padraig Allen, from Ballyfermot St John’s Ambulance.
“The bikes have been fitted with first aid equipment and Emergency Care Products kindly supported us by donating a defibrillator.
“This lifesaving machine will help us maintain our professional standards and ensure every patient can avail of the best possible chance of survival in the event of suffering a cardiac arrest.”
Allen thanked Aiden Joyce of Eurocycle Eurobaby, Judith Downes of Emergency Care Products, and Robert Nolan and Mel Sutcliffe for their support.
Allen and his colleague Mick Cardiff worked with local businesses in Ballyfermot over the last year to fund public defibrillators, and provided first aid training for staff.
“St John Ambulance Ballyfermot continues its lifesaving campaign which has funded defibrillators locally and is proud to be one of the safest communities in Ireland,” he said.
“All we ask is that the public step forward and become more aware of the defibrillators which are located in Ballyfemot. Defibrillators are located inside the Civic Centre, Centra Ballyfermot (beside the Gala), Londis (beside Bank of Ireland), Chasers, Tesco Ballyfermot and LIyods Pharmacy.”
Anyone looking to become a member or have any queries in relation to event cover can contact Ballyfermot [at] stjohn [dot] ie
