Launch of Community First Responders group 

A Community First Responders group covering parts of West Roscommon was formally launched at Kilmovee Community Centre on Saturday.

Since last November, the Kilmovee Community First Responders have been “live and operational” with the National Ambulance Service, being on hand for emergency responses 24/7 to reach potentially life-threatening situations in the first vital minutes.

The CFR’s operational area is 6km from Kilmovee Swimming Pool, encompassing Kilmovee, Uralur and Tavraun in Mayo, and Lisacul, Loughglynn, Gorthaganny, Brosna, Castlemore to the outskirts of Ballaghaderreen in County Roscommon.

A minimum of two volunteers have attended each emergency call out in that time, with up to six volunteers responding in the event of cardiac arrest emergencies.

The group’s co-ordinator, Gerry Regan, who has a 15 year involvement with Mayo Civil Defence, identified the need for volunteer responders in the locality.

“I identified that need for our own area and 2023 is when I really got stuck into trying to put this together,” he explained.

The Kilmovee group has grown to 24 volunteers already with 10 volunteers trained up to respond to live calls.

“There’s a huge amount of behind-the-scenes preparation, organisation, training, and commitment from those who commit their time as volunteers - it does take a huge amount of time, effort, and patience,” said Gerry.

He explained that the system means people locally can be seen to by a responder more quickly.

“We’re alerted to an emergency call in the community, we automatically get a notification to our phone with the possible emergency, such as a stroke,” he explained.

“It’s completely voluntary to accept the call or not, but if you do there’s a method there to press respond and notify when you have arrived on scene.

“You update the emergency services as to the condition of the patient and that information automatically flows to the ambulance.”

The volunteer group has plans to eventually increase the operational area, but for now the aim is to train up as many volunteers as possible.

“Training is absolutely paramount in getting everything right, getting all the skills right, and getting the confidence built up within those volunteers.

“Keep in mind that those volunteers are like you, or like your neighbour. For me as a coordinator, I’d be always watching to see what their skill levels are like,” said Gerry.

Kilmovee CFR group has extended its gratitude to Kenaidan Construction for the donation of a defibrillator and heated cabinet.

The organisation is currently applying for charity status and relies on donations and sponsorships to purchase supplies.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the group can contact Gerry on 087 681 5009.