Ballaghaderreen Takes a Bold Step for Public Health
In a significant move to enhance public health and safety, Ballaghaderreen Town Team has installed three Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at a total cost of €5,000. The devices are positioned to provide rapid access during cardiac emergencies, underscoring the town’s commitment to safeguarding residents and visitors alike.
Strategic Locations for Quick Access
The AEDs have been placed at three readily accessible locations to ensure quick response in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest. The sites are:
- Garda Station, New Street (Eircode F45 TR98)
- The Library, The Square (Eircode F45 K763)
- The Clinic, Pound Street (Eircode F45Y099)
Each unit is secured in a temperature-controlled cabin. The access code is displayed on the window of every cabin as C123, ensuring clear instructions for bystanders or responders in an emergency.
Registration with the National Ambulance Service
To further improve emergency response, the AEDs are being registered with the National Ambulance Service. This registration links callers who contact the emergency helpline to the nearest registered AED when their Eircode is provided, helping to shorten response times in critical situations.
Community Voices and Commitment
Patricia Madden of Ballaghaderreen Town Team expressed pride in the project, saying, “This project has been an important investment in the health and well-being of our community. Having these defibrillators in place means that we are better equipped to respond quickly to emergencies, potentially saving lives in the event of a cardiac arrest.”
Defibrillators are designed to be simple to use. They offer voice-guided instructions that walk users through the steps, making it feasible for laypeople to act decisively in high-pressure moments. While no one wishes to need them, the availability of AEDs at key locations significantly improves the odds of survival for someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
Funding and Training Opportunities
The initiative was funded through the Local Enhancement Programme 2025, which supports projects aimed at strengthening public services and infrastructure in local communities. Deirdre McDermott of Ballaghaderreen Town Team emphasised the value of ongoing community education: “We’re grateful for the funding provided by the Local Enhancement Programme 2025, which has made this project possible. We also encourage members of the community to take part in available AED/CPR training sessions, where they can learn how to use defibrillators and perform CPR. The more people who are trained, the better prepared we’ll be.”
Looking Ahead
With the AEDs now in place, Ballaghaderreen joins a growing network of communities prioritising rapid access to life-saving devices. The Town Team will monitor usage, promote training opportunities, and continue exploring ways to strengthen local health and emergency responsiveness for residents and visitors alike.
