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O’Shea seeks defibrillator training for gardaí


AN Ennis councillor behind moves to install defibrillators throughout the town has called on the Minister for Justice to implement training for every garda in the country in how to use the potentially life-saving device after being “shocked” to discover a national training programme does not exist.
Councillor Paul O’Shea, who spearheaded the committee that last week unveiled two defibrillators in the town centre, said, “I was shocked to discover this week that gardaí throughout the country, with the exception of Kilkenny and Sligo, are untrained in the use of these life-saving devices. Gardaí and paramedics are usually the first on the scene of an incident, yet they would not know how to respond if the emergency was of a cardiac nature.”
The Clare Red Cross has offered to train Clare gardaí on the use of defibrillators. “This is a sad reflection on our Government when a voluntary organisation has to come forward to train our frontline gardaí. Training for gardaí must be mandatory and be included in the curriculum of Templemore Garda College,” said Councillor O’Shea.
“This comes at a time when Ennis has lost its superintendent and there is no sign of a replacement. The Department of Justice needs to implement, without delay, training for every garda in the use of defibrillators throughout the State. In addition, each garda traffic corps car should be equipped with mobile defibrillators. It is unacceptable that garda traffic corps cars are not equipped with mobile units.
“These devices should also be available on European flights on our national airlines. To date, they are only available on transatlantic routes.”
The Garda Press Office has confirmed there is no national training programme for defibrillator use. A pilot scheme was introduced in both Blanchardstown and Kilkenny in 2006.After evaluation, the Blanchardstown programme is no longer in operation. The Kilkenny scheme is ongoing and is under evaluation.
According to the spokesperson, since it was introduced six years ago, the defibrillator has been deployed three times. The regional support units have defibrillators and all gardaí in these units are trained in their use, the spokesperson added.
The idea for 24/7 defibrillators in the centre of town was first put before Ennis Town Council last February. The council informed Councillor O’Shea it was not in their remit.
A fundraising committee was formed that includes the Clare Red Cross, Ennis Chamber and other businesses and community groups. The Clare Red Cross have now opened a website for members of the public to sign up for training on their website, www.clareredcross.ie. So far, money has been raised for four pieces of equipment. Two have been installed, one in O’Connell Square and another in the Market.
“This fundraising project has been exceptionally successful. Ennis is in the process of achieving the status of ‘Heart Safe Town’, the much-coveted award from the Irish Heart Foundation,” said Councillor O’Shea.
“Cardiovascular disease is Ireland’s biggest killer, 10,000 people die from cardiovascular disease every year in Ireland and 5,000 of these deaths are from sudden cardiac arrest. The committee discovered that 70% of cardiac arrests in Ireland occur out of hospital and away from advanced medical assistance and usually happen in the presence of a family member.
“It was unacceptable that Ennis, which is the largest town in Munster, did not have a defibrillator available in our town centre for the general public. We could not wait around for someone to die because no one will take responsibility for supplying this life-saving devices. If it saves one life, then it’s money well spent. These devices may save you or a member of your family,” he said.

 

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