A new publicly accessible defibrillator has been launched at Barlow’s Railway Tavern on Dublin Road, Drogheda, marking an important step in strengthening the Chain of Survival in the community.
The Chain of Survival refers to the key actions that give a person the best chance of survival in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest, with the rapid use of a defibrillator playing a crucial role.
The installation was made possible through the fundraising efforts of General Manager Jake Moore, working in partnership with the East Meath and Louth Defibrillator Unit. The initiative highlights a strong commitment to ensuring life saving equipment is available when it is needed most.
The launch also recognised the real life impact of CPR and defibrillation. Jake Moore recently administered CPR to a patron at the tavern, assisted by another customer, James Carolan.
Jake and James were joined tonight by National Ambulance Service Paramedics, Holly and Evan, who attended that incident and were eager to recognise the benefits of immediate CPR and rapid defibrillation. The chain of survival was strong that evening, with Jake rapidly recognising the emergency and calling 999. The two men then provided CPR, with instructions from the National Ambulance Service Emergency Call Taker, with the paramedics arriving in minutes and providing defibrillation and professional care.
The outcome highlights the critical importance of both training and access to defibrillation equipment in saving lives.
Local representatives, Councillors Debbie McCole and Councillors Declan Power, attended the launch to show their support for the initiative. Councillor McCole stressed the importance of access to early defibrillation from her experience as a paramedic and spoke about how she was delighted when Jake approached her looking for advice on installing a defibrillator. She introduced him to Jim Shields, founder of the East Meath Defibrillator Unit, in order to get the project completed and ensure the Tavern had ongoing support with maintenence checks on the device.
Jim also attended the event, joined by other members of the East Meath and Louth Defibrillator Unit Gerry Keoghan, Anthony Dunne, Daniel O’Brien, Megan Smith, and team leader Karen Smith.
Dave Turner, a friend of the individual who was assisted by Jake Moore and James Carolan, was present, along with the National Ambulance Service Community Engagement Officer Liam Stewart and patrons of the bar who gathered to mark the occasion.
Speaking at the event, Jake Moore emphasised the importance of preparedness:”Having a defibrillator on site can make the difference between life and death. This is about giving our community the best possible chance in an emergency.”
East Meath defibrillator unit have been active in the community since 2012 and have installed over 40 defibrillators to date along with demonstration cpr in the community in east Meath and Louth
