Delight on Arranmore with volunteers picking up certificates and a new ambulance

There was a double reason for celebration on Arranmore, with volunteers picking up Emergency First Responder Certificates and the island receiving a new ambulance vehicle.

A group of volunteer islanders received their certificates from the HSE’s National Ambulance Service (NAS) at a special presentation at CFFAM, Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh.

The group, led by John McCafferty, recently completed an Emergency First Responder (EFR) course and they were presented with their certificates by John Joe McGowan, NAS General Manager Operations – West.

“I would like to thank the National Ambulance Service for all the support it has given to the group and I very much welcome the arrival of our new ambulance,” Mr McCafferty said. “The distribution of the Emergency Care Information Sheet to all homes on the island is also very welcome. It is great to be involved with the EFR group and I want to thank each and every one of the volunteers for the work they do and for becoming involved.”

The event also made the delivery of a new ambulance vehicle to the island to replace an older vehicle. The new vehicle has been supplied by NAS which has made a significant investment in training and equipping the islanders as part of their planning for medical emergencies. 

In addition, Dermot Monaghan, Chief Officer, Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo will provide details about the provision of an Emergency Care Information Sheet to be distributed to every home on the island.

Several islanders received Certificates of Appreciation from NAS to recognise the first responder support they gave to their community during recent years.

Joe McGowan, NAS General Manager Operations – West said: “I am delighted to be here and to be able to present Emergency First Responder Certificates to John McCafferty and the group. They are making a real difference on this island and the National Ambulance Service is delighted to support them and all their work as First Responders providing assistance to their fellow islanders and visitors to Arranmore when they need it. They are a very valuable resource and deserve great credit for their efforts.”

He also said that the provision of a new ambulance on the island was very welcome and that it was a valuable resource for the entire community.

Announcing the provision of an Emergency Care Information Sheet to every home on the island Mr Monaghan said it contained important resident and visitor medical emergency information for people while they are on the island.

“This Information Sheet is a valuable document in that it advises both islanders and visitors about what to do in the event of a medical emergency,” he said. “It is really important that in these circumstances people can stay calm and give the National Ambulance Service Call Takers the information they need such as their location and the nature of the emergency and then listen carefully to the instructions they are given. I welcome this initiative and would like to wish everyone on Arranmore well for the year ahead.”

Speaking about the presentation of Certificates of Appreciation from NAS to islanders to recognise the support given to the Emergency Medical Services during recent years Ger O’Dea, NAS Community Engagement Manager, said: “We feel that it is extremely important to officially acknowledge the dedication of these volunteers in providing support to their community. Community First Responders are integral to community resilience and especially in austere environments such as our offshore islands and NAS is committed to working within these communities to provide the quickest possible response to patient emergencies. 

Having islanders trained to the level of Emergency First Responder means that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to treat a variety of medical and traumatic emergencies ahead of an emergency response vehicle arriving on scene.”