Traders aim for safety with public access defibrillator

The Dominick Street traders are on a mission to install a public access defibrillator on Dominick Street.

Usually located in GAA grounds and parish churches, it’s not always easy to access such emergency equipment at the right time.

With this in mind, the traders are hosting a Summer BBQ in Cons on Friday August 21 to raise funds for the purchase of a defibrillator, which will provide 24-hour public access for the residents and shoppers of Mullingar.

“I was in touch with the hospital there and they are against them being locked up but they do need some sort of security against vandals,” explains Tomás Nally of Rochfort’s.

“I know that a couple of them were actually stolen in Meath a few weeks back.

“So what we’re going to do is ensure that everyone in the vicinity, the whole street, will have the code for the actual box and there will be three phone numbers to access the code in an emergency.”

Tomás is hoping other street associations in Mullingar will follow the Dominick Street Traders’ lead and install one on every major thoroughfare in the town. “It’s vital from a CPR point of view. I know someone in Longford who was waiting an hour and a quarter for an ambulance and that was through no fault of the ambulance service.

“It just happened that the two ambulances were out on call. So you can be unlucky and be in the wrong place at the wrong time where you know no one will be able to treat you for a time.

“Even for the likes of the guards – for them to know that there is a public access one there too. I think they’re trying to get one into all squad cars as well.

“It’s just in case of an emergency for everyone to know where it is. The closest ones at the moment are in Apache and the Cathedral.

Looking to raise €2,000, Tomás says the defib machine costs about €1,000 plus VAT, while the storage box is €400 plus VAT, and the surplus will be spent on training and signage.

The fundraising night will take place after work in Con’s on Friday August 21 (5.30-8.30pm). The barbecue is being supplied by Rita and Mavis of PitStop Catering, and entertainment is by Flynch.

Con’s will also be running a drinks promotion on the night and there will be some great spot prizes up for grabs. There is no cover charge.