Mayor Andrew McGuinness gave an impressive demonstration on the proper care and maintenance of defibrillators to a distinguished gathering at the site of the Noel Walsh defibrillator on O’ Loughlin Road.
Honouring the memory of Noel Walsh, the First Citizen thought it appropriate to use the GAA acronym ACT.
A =Accessible and Available 24/7.
C= Charged battery.
T= Training In use of AED’s and in CPR.
The gathering was arranged to promote the interagency training initiative to be delivered by Civil Defence, Red Cross and the Order of Malta Ambulance Corps which will take place in the Ormonde Hotel on Saturday March 12th from 9am – 1pm. Announcing details of the Certified Community First Responders course, Katherine Peacock, Chair of the Emergency Services Group, introduced her colleague Michelle Colclough, Civil Defence and Gerry Brophy Red Cross and Paul Shiels, Order of Malta Ambulance Corps.
Katherine welcomed Lieutenant Paul Murphy, James Stephens Barracks, Garda Kevin Joyce Community Policing, Shirley Bergin Community Engagement Office, and members of Eastern Environs Defibrillator group.
Ms Peacock gave details of the training that would include Adult & Child CPR using defibrillator, Basic life support for heart attack victim, Cardiac arrest & Choking and Recognising signs of a stroke.
Encouraging involvement Katherine stated that participants would gain the knowledge and confidence to benefit the community and that would help to save lives. Numbers are limited so email: kilkennycivildefence@gmail.com before 21st Feb. to secure a place.
