Rural South Kildare gets own Community First Responders group

A NEW Community First Responders group has been set up in rural South Kildare, with its official launch that took place on Sunday 23 March joined by TD Martin Heydon, cllr Ivan Keatley and other local representatives at The Old Hardware, Narraghmore.

The Rural South Kildare Community First Responders have now gone live with The National Ambulance Service from the 1 February 2025, covering Narraghmore, Kilmead, Burtown, Moone, Timolin, Ballitore, Crookstown and the rural area surrounding these villages.

Members of the public will still be able to call 112/999 in an emergency and The National Ambulance Service will dispatch an ambulance and also a member from the group when required and if available.

At what was more than just a launch, attendees got to hear information on the group for those interested in joining and see CPR demonstrations by experienced first aid practitioners.

Secretary of the group, Ciara Dowling, is delighted on the group’s formation and the success of the launch: “There was a steady stream of people all day. Just to even have people talking about it, and about CPR, and not being afraid to do it.” 

“We currently have eight active members and four more up and running in the next 30 days,” said Ciara.

The group is always looking for more volunteers. If interested, Ciara explains that volunteers need not have medical experience as full training is provided.

However, volunteers should be the type to be calm under pressure and be at least 18 with a full drivers license.

Ciara explained: “Any and all walks of life are welcome. It genuinely can be anyone.” 

The onboarding process for volunteers involves lots of support from experienced members: “We talk to them and let them come along with no commitment. Nobody’s just thrown into it.” 

For people that might not be able to join the group but would like to support, Ciara explained that there are various other roles involved such as administrative work: “There’s so much behind the scenes that needs to be done.” As well as that, people that want to help can donate to the group.

For more information on the Rural South Kildare First Responders, check out their Facebook page or get in contact directly at southkildarecfr@gmail.com.