Are you a Cardiac First Responder?
Would you like to be?
A Cardiac First Responder (CFR) is a person trained to a minimum level of basic life support in CPR and the use of an AED/defibrillator, who attends an actual or potentially life threatening emergency such as a cardiac arrest, heart attack, stroke or choking.
Rural areas and ambulance response times
In rural areas around Ireland an ambulance may need to travel a long distance to assist someone suffering from a cardiac or respiratory arrest, ineffective breathing or choking. In such instances time is crucial, that is why the HSE National Ambulance Service is integrating groups of CFRs in rural areas who are dispatched simultaneously with the National Ambulance Service.
This does not delay the ambulance which is still dispatched as a priority. Because these responders live or work locally, they may be able to arrive and start lifesaving steps until the ambulance arrives.
How to establish a CFR Group in your community
Community or other groups interested in establishing a CFR Group and who wish to be linked to the National Ambulance Service should make contact directly with the HSE National Ambulance Service via email
The Irish Heart Foundation does not link groups to the National Ambulance Service but can provide information and support to groups who wish to set up a CFR programme. The Irish Heart Foundation also works with the National Ambulance Service to provide instructor training for linked groups so they can do ongoing CPR training in their community. A CFR group can find out more information and link to other groups through the CFR Ireland network , a coordinated organisation for CFR Groups.
Source: Irish Heart Foundation
