'List first responders in estates' idea

CPR training.

A suggestion that each housing estate in Kilcullen should have the contact details of people within their area who are trained in first responder techniques has been made as part of the development of the new Kilcullen Community First Responders, writes Brian Byrne.

"The idea came up during a conversation I was having with a resident who said he recently had to call an ambulance," says Nichola Kennedy, chair of the committee currently organising the KCFR.

She notes that until the new unit goes live, which won't be until the group's training has been carried out, and Garda vetting completed, there won't be any community first responders in Kilcullen linked to the 999 system.

"It seems a good idea that in the meantime, every estate or cluster of homes should find out who in their area has first responder skills. And if there aren't any, that maybe each should nominate two or three people who could be trained with us."

At the recent information meeting on Community First Responder it was emphasised that not everyone training with the group needs to be an on-call responder. Anyone who wants to simply learn first responder techniques and skills is welcome to join.

The first training day for the new group is Sunday 10 November.

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