Newbridge Community First Responders (CFR) are a group of volunteers dispatched by the 999/112 National Ambulance Service to emergencies within the Newbridge Area.
We are Volunteers “on call” who live in the locality. We are your neighbours and work colleagues. We are trained and certified in the provision of CPR and other life-saving measures. We provide support to those people experiencing Chest Pains, Cardiac Arrest, Choking or Stroke symptoms.
1
Early recognition of a cardiac arrest, calling 112 or 999 immediately to have support through the resuscitation
2
Start Immediate CPR (the 112 or 999 call taker will support you in delivering effective CPR)
3
Early AED use (Emergency Ambulance Services will help you find where the nearest AED is located to the patient)
4
Effective pre hospital emergency care support and post resuscitation care.
The chain of survival refers to a series of actions that, when put into motion, reduce the mortality associated with cardiac arrest. Like any chain, the chain of survival is only as strong as its weakest link. The four interdependent links in the chain of survival are early access, early CPR, early defibrillation, and early advanced cardiac life support.
"First Responders defibrillated 198 patients, of whom 54 survived (27.8%). This achievement emphasises the importance of these groups of responders and provides valuable evidence for their impact within the community.”
Professor Conor Deasy, Chair of the Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Register
learn moreWho are we?
A Community First Responder is a member of the public who volunteers to help their community by responding to medical emergencies while the ambulance is on its way.
We help maintaining our community AEDs
We regularly check if our AEDs and all necessary medical prep kit parts are at perfect order (gloves, razor, breathing mask)
as well as inspecting the AED for signs of damage and wear.
We train. A lot!
Training consists of cardiac arrest management including CPR and AED usage, Stroke and Heart attack assessment and treatment and relief of choking. Training covers all essential elements effectively operate as a CFR with additional training options available
What can we do in a call?
After arriving at the scene our First Responders will be;
Clearing and controlling the airway of an unconscious patient.
Providing resuscitation and defibrillation.
Making them feel more comfortable and at ease.
Taking basic observations.
Reassuring worried relatives and taking charge of the situation.
Using local knowledge to ensure that the Ambulance can find the location quickly.
Robert Morton, Director of National Ambulance Service:
"...Community First Responders are an integral part of dealing with an emergency in the community in that they provide vital lifesaving CPR and defibrillator treatment to patients while an ambulance is on route."
Every single euro in donation is important. We are volunteers. Your donation will be used to buy PADS for the Defibrillators, Medicine, Training equipments and other VITAL supports. If you can donate, simply scan the QR code above and enter the amount you want to donate.
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We are constantly using and replacing pads. For every call we will carry at least one or two sets of Adult Pads.
Unfortunately some paediatric pads have to be used. Our stock is currently very low at the moment.
Although some PPE are provided by HSE, we still have to buy some to keep in stock. These are very important for our own safety in every call.
In every training session our equipment is used to deliver the best training possible to both new and senior volunteers.
For practicing both choking and CPR with volunteers and members of the public.
For practicing the use of advanced airway management with senior volunteers.
