New North Longford Community First Responders group 'vital link in the chain of survival'

A new Community First Responder (CFR) group has been established in the parish of Killoe.

The idea began in Spring 2025 at a Killoe Development meeting.

A year later a team of 17 volunteers are now trained to respond to critical life-threatening emergencies in the Killoe area.

This is a vital link in the chain of survival in the time before an ambulance arrives.

The National Ambulance service alerts the group to victims of cardiac arrests, heart attacks, strokes and choking.

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Much of the infrastructure for the group was in place before the April 1 launch with the Cullyfad and Ennybegs defib groups already having defibrillators in situ.

Four more defibrillators were added to ensure all areas are covered.

Killoe now has 13 defibrillators in the parish that are checked weekly.

Claire Campbell, the Chairperson of the Killoe CFR group, saw firsthand this year how defibrillators in key areas can save lives.

This year an employee at Kiernan Steel collapsed. The staff are trained in First Aid Response (FAR) and defibrillator use.

Claire explained, “We only completed scenario training during the year but never expected to use it. The FAR team gave excellent CPR and used the defibrillator. The employee survived due to the quick reaction of the team in house in Kiernan Steel & that there was a defibrillator on site.”

She added, “Sadly on the other hand, we have seen where people don't know what to do in this situation and it is very traumatic for them. The training should be a mandatory life skill learned in school as people usually need it for their own families.”

A special thanks was extended to everyone who donated to the group.

Over €5000 worth of donations were raised from a donate fundraiser, church gate collection, cash donations, Killoe Development Group, Cllr Colin Dalton, Ennybegs Community Centre, James Connell, Longford Self Catering cottages, St Teresa's NS, Killoe Men's Shed and Kiernan Steel.

An incredible €1200 was raised by Orla Lawlor and the staff of Wards chemist.

Orla sadly lost her husband Shane Lawlor, suddenly in February 2025. Orla continues to raise money for defibrillators and spread awareness about the importance of defibrillators in times of emergencies.

Claire commented, “The strength of the Lawlor family at such a devastating time is inspirational and has not gone unnoticed by our community. We sincerely thank them and Ward's chemist for their donation.

Claire said there is an incredible spirit of good will in Killoe. “Support came in other forms from hanging defibrillator boxes, designing posters etc.

“We received support from the Killoe Development Group, Killoe GAA Healthy Club initiative, the Killoe Men’s Shed, the Vetting Office in Longford, Amanda Ross HSE, Yvonne Leslie the Co-ordinator for North Longford, Joe Keogh (poster design), Lorraine Brady (editor), Councillor Gerry Hagan (MC) and Grey Wizard.

“A special thanks to the volunteers who have trained for over 10 hours to respond to calls and a special word of thanks to Edel Mc Goey who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure we had all our paperwork in order.”

The group went live on April 6.