National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company responsible for rolling out the Irish Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP), has teamed up with its charity partner The RISE Global Foundation to donate a new defibrillator to Clonmany Community First Responders in County Donegal.
As a newly formed group of local volunteers, Clonmany First Responders aim to train ordinary members of the community to respond to medical emergencies in the local area. Providing a vital community service, the first responders are often on scene before ambulance crews, administrating first aid and potentially saving lives.
Joe Joyce, a volunteer for Clonmany Community First Responders, said: “As a rural community, our voluntary group provides a vital service which addresses a local need and service. In some situations, ambulances can be asked to travel long distances, taking over an hour to reach the patient in need of urgent care. Recognising the challenges the healthcare providers are facing, our local community has taken the initiative to set up this group and do everything we can to help.”
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive funding from NBI and RISE for this new defibrillator, which will literally save lives.”