Community effort sees new defibrillator on Athy's Blueway
JR Robinson, Kevin Moran, Andy Coughlan, Scotty Coughlan, Stephen May, Karl Gill ( Missing Paul Whelan)
A new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and heated cabinet have been installed on the Barrow Blueway in Athy following a successful community fundraising initiative.
The project was led by local men JR Robinson, Stephen May, Kevin Moran, Andy Coughlan, Karl Gill and Paul Whelan.
The group identified the need for a dedicated life-saving unit along the popular route, noting that while the trail is used weekly by hundreds of runners, walkers, and cyclists, the layout of the Blueway can present challenges for ambulance access.
The team committed to participating in the Tinryland Half Marathon this May to raise the necessary funds, however, the fundraising goal was reached well ahead of schedule due to donations from Local businesses, a local Councillor, friends, family, and regular users of the Blueway.
This allowed the equipment to be purchased and installed immediately.
The AED is situated at the Dilly Dally Coffee Shop, owned by Martin and Linda Sourke, who provided the location for the unit and the electricity for the heated cabinet.
National Ambulance Service Community Paramedic Peter Reynolds was present for the arrival of the equipment and noted the importance of having such a resource in an area of high physical activity.
The unit is now officially registered on the National Ambulance Service Database of Live Defibrillators.
In the event of an emergency, a 999 dispatcher will provide the access code for the cabinet to the caller.
The device is designed for use by the general public and provides vocal instructions throughout the rescue process.
It is programmed to only deliver a shock if a specific heart rhythm is detected. The group also encourages anyone interested in learning CPR to contact their local community first responder group for guidance.
The fundraising team has taken responsibility for the maintenance of the unit. A contact number is located on the cabinet.
The group would also be appreciative of contact if the AED is used as the lads have committed to replacing pads and checking the device if it is ever deployed The six men are continuing their training for the Tinryland Half Marathon in May to honor the donations received from the community.
