A leading provider of life-saving medical equipment and solutions has launched its ‘Be the Beat’ campaign, to celebrate Community First Responders in Ireland.
The campaign by OxygenCare aims to acknowledge the dedication and impact of these volunteers, showcasing the difference they can make in people’s lives. People are invited to submit their stories and share experiences relating to Community First Responders. As well as nominating responders, anybody affected by an incident involving a Community First Responder (cardiac arrest or otherwise) is also encouraged to make a submission.
Submissions received will be in with a chance to win a Defibtech defibrillator for their community, with one winner selected from each of the six HSE Health Regions in the Republic of Ireland, with one winner from the Northern Ireland region.
LIFESAVING TREATMENT
Community First Responders are CPR and AED trained members of the public who attend emergency calls in their local area, providing lifesaving treatment to patients while an ambulance is on its way. Across Ireland, there are approximately 385 Community First Responder schemes and around 4,000 members.
The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) reports that almost 5,000 people die from sudden cardiac arrest in Ireland every year. While survival rates have improved for sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients in recent years, from the moment of collapse the chance of survival decreases by 7-10% for every minute CPR is not performed.
This initiative, organised by OxygenCare and CFR, is being launched to help spread awareness about how vital CFR treatment can be, and to encourage more people to undertake CPR and defibrillation training.
“The impact of Community First Responders is not just important but life changing – especially considering that cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death in Ireland,” Conrad Wynne, Senior Product Specialist, at Oxygen Care said. “Taking action in moments of crisis, these volunteers are truly invaluable in creating stronger, safer and more connected communities. That’s why we want to celebrate their efforts and showcase to others that their hands could also save lives.”
To make a submission about Community First Responders and to be in with a chance to win a Defibtech Lifeline AED for your Cork community, visit https://www.oxygen-care.com/be-the-beat-human-stories/
