Social Accounts

Contact Information

Location

Detailed Information

How to contact us?
• Contact Ann Marie O’Grady, Chairperson/Scheme Coordinator at
cfrratoath@gmail.com
• Contact us via our facebook page by direct message

Ratoath Cardiac First Responders
In an emergency call 999 or 112
We know that in response to certain emergency situations, every second counts: e.g.
cardiac arrest, stroke, choking and heart attack. International evidence is clear; equipping
communities with equipment and basic life-saving skills will save lives.
Who are Ratoath Cardiac First Responders?
We are volunteers, living in the Ratoath community, who provide a Cardiac First
Responder Service from 7pm – 7am for the village and surrounds of Ratoath. We are
trained in basic life support techniques, CPR and defibrillator use, along with management
of chest pain, stroke and choking. We are tasked by the National Ambulance Service to
respond to 999 or 112 calls in the local community, providing urgent assistance to people
suffering from stroke, chest pain, choking or cardiac arrest, until the arrival of the
ambulance service. We attend calls in pairs.

What training do we have?
All Responders have successfully completed a PHECC (Pre Hospital Emergency Care
Council), IHF (Irish Heart Foundation) and AHA (American Heart Association) approved
Cardiac First Responder course. The course covers the “Chain of Survival”, what to do in
the event of a Cardiac Arrest (Adult, Child & Infant CPR), how to use an AED (Defibrillator),
Adult Chest Pain Management (suspected Heart Attack), Aspirin Therapy, Stroke
recognition using F.A.S.T., and Choking.
What type of calls do we get?
We are called to people (all ages) with:
• Chest pain
• Stroke
• Cardiac arrest
• Choking

How do we get called?
If 999 or 112 is called and person has chest pain, stroke, cardiac arrest or choking, the
ambulance service dispatch Ratoath CFR at the same time as they dispatch the ambulance
service.
What does a Cardiac First Responder do? We are trained to provide early intervention in
situations such as chest pain, cardiac arrest, choking or stroke before the National
Ambulance Service crew arrives. The Responder’s role is to deliver an emergency and
urgent care response for their communities.
Interested in Volunteering?

• Do I need to have a healthcare background? No, all members of Ratoath Cardiac
First Responders will be fully trained by accredited instructors to PHECC/IHF/AHA
standards. Some responders have a healthcare background, but as many do not.
• How long does the training take? There are a range of online courses including
infection control, child protection, use of PPE and Critical Incident Stress
Management, along with attendance at monthly meetings prior to formal training
and certification Training takes place over 2 days at designated times during the
year and all volunteers must complete this irrespective on any prior qualifications.
• What requirements are there? Must:
o Be over 18.
o Have a valid driver’s licence.
o Be willing to complete the pre training online programmes and monthly
training prior to the required 2 day training
o Commit to ongoing attendance at meetings/training (monthly)
o Be physically and emotionally fit for the role.
o Undergo and pass garda vetting process.
o Be available to be on call from 7pm-7am for a number of times/mont