Strong turnout for launch of Ramelton Community First Responders Group
A vital service was launched in Ramelton, providing training for CPR and defibrillation for community first responders in case of emergency
The Ramelton Community First Responders Group (RCFRG) was officially launched at a well-attended public information evening held in Ramelton Community Centre.
The event brought together members of the local community, volunteers, and public representatives to learn more about this important initiative, which aims to establish a team of trained local responders to assist with medical emergencies before emergency services arrive.
Attendees were given an overview of the role of a Community First Responder and the significant impact such a service can have in saving lives. The evening also highlighted how the group will support the local area and outlined the steps involved in becoming a volunteer.
Following the presentation, a CPR and AED demonstration took place, providing a valuable opportunity to experience some of the practical skills involved in emergency response.
Paul Stevenson, coordinator and driving force behind the initiative, welcomed the strong turnout and positive engagement from the community.
He noted that from the beginning, there was a clear appetite within the Ramelton community to get this initiative up and running, and that early support was evident from the outset. As a thriving and friendly community, the establishment of such a group comes as no surprise and reflects the high level of community spirit and care that exists locally.
“Coming from a background of training people in First Aid and CPR, I know first-hand the importance of early intervention in an emergency situation, particularly in a semi-rural area like Ramelton with such a large catchment area,” he said.
It was acknowledged that the group is at a huge head start already due to the generous donations from the local community organisations and businesses who have funded the AED and boxes already strategically located around the greater Ramelton area.
The group also acknowledged the generous support of Cllr Pauric Mc Garvey and Cllr Declan Meehan, who both contributed funding to assist with the establishment of the First Responders Group.
Cllr Meehan commented: “I am very happy to support an initiative as important as the RCFRG I congratulate the whole committee on taking the initiative to have this set up in the Ramelton area and look forward to supporting them in the future”.
Anyone interested in getting involved is warmly encouraged to contact the group via Paul Stevenson on 086-0809443, social media pages or by email [email protected]