Efforts underway to set up community first responders team in Malin area

Efforts are underway to establish a community first responders team in the Malin area.

A group was formed last month to establish a Malin parish first responders team and it is now seeking volunteers from Malin, Glengad and Malin Head to train to become community first responders as well as members of community to help with organisation and fundraising. 

Training and support will be provided in partnership with the National Ambulance Service and local community first responder groups.

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A meeting was held in the Malin head Community Centre on Wednesday night and a follow-up meeting for the group is taking place in the Malin GAA ClubhouseWednesday, September at 8pm when experienced first responders from across Inishowen will share their stories, giving insight into how the service works and how it has already made a difference in their communities.

“With parts of the parish more than 50 miles from Letterkenny University Hospital, every minute matters in a medical emergency,” Ali Farren, manager of Malin Head Community Centre said. 

“When no local ambulance is available, a trained community first responder could be the one to save the life of a neighbour, friend, or family member.”

In Inishowen, community first responder groups are active in Buncrana, Newtowncunningham and Clonmany with Muff and Bocan soon to follow.

 “The aim is to have Malin included, ensuring wider coverage across the peninsula. Malin, being one of the most isolated areas, needs a strong local response team—sometimes we simply need to help ourselves," Mr Farren said.

“This initiative needs the backing of the whole parish—every townland, every local business, every sports club, and every community organisation. Together, we can set up the most northerly first responders group in the country and ensure Malin has this life-saving service in place."