Learn to save lives in Portlaoise with Community First Responders

They are on standby to attend cardiac arrests, heart attacks, chest pains, strokes and choking on behalf of the National Ambulance Service. It is a lifesaving volunteer role, because for every minute a person who has gone into cardiac arrest doesn’t receive CPR, their survival rate is decreased by 10%.

PCFR covers a catchment of 7km radius, from Kyletalesha and Eyne to Clonad and Cashel, Clonreher and Pallas to The Heath and Rock of Dunamaise and Portlaoise town in between. Ideally members should live within the area.

First Responder and Garda Vetting Officer Samantha White spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Portlaoise Community First Responder (PCFR) Samantha White.

"We are a diverse group of people, from varying walks of life, career skills and ages, unified by a common goal. Between us we speak six languages. 

"We invite everybody in Portlaoise to come along and observe what we do and we can answer any questions and give out application forms.

"If people live outside our area they can still come along and can set up a group in their own communities.

"We welcome more members but they have to be a good fit, we have a good dynamic, everybody does their bit. It's really enjoyable being a part of the group," she said.

PCFR will hold their fortnightly training session at Portlaoise Library on Thursday evening, January 22 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

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