Castlepollard's firefighters extend expertise to healthcare

For the last 67 years Castlepollard’s firefighters have been risking life and limb for the people of north Westmeath but most locals would probably be surprised to hear that their remit now extends into healthcare.

As well as their renowned 24 hour fire and rescue service, the station’s nine firefighters (station officer Steve Owens, substation officer Dave Cooney, Pat Nea, Alfie Devine, Noel Morgan, Derek Cheevers, Anthony Nea, Martin Farrell and John Devine) also provide emergency medical assistance.

Fully trained as Cardiac First Responders (CFR) and Emergency First Responders (EFR), Castlepollard’s Fire Service works in co-operation with the National Ambulance Service and local GPs such as Dr Noel Cogan.

While it could take an ambulance some time to drive out to the Castlepollard area, firefighters can respond within minutes to provide essential life saving procedures until the arrival of a doctor or paramedics.

To aid its firefighters in their invaluable work, the station has a dedicated, comprehensively equipped 4x4 ambulance assist vehicle, which carries, among other things, a defibrillator, a burns kit and a spinal immobilisation board.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner when we visited Castlepollard’s impressive purpose-built station during one of its regular drills, firefighter Martin Farrell said that although he and his colleagues deal with an average of one cardiac emergency a month, some people are still taken aback to find the fire service at their door.

“Callers requesting an ambulance to attend a cardiac emergency should not be surprised to see firefighters attending in advance of paramedics, as every minute counts in such calls, and firefighters can respond within minutes to any call to provide essential life saving assistance.

All firefighters undergo comprehensive training under the supervision of the Nation Ambulance Service, and frequent refresher courses to maintain their skills,” he said.

The drill during our visit was the last one attended by Pat Nea. Popular driver/mechanic Pat retired from the fire service on April 27 after 26 years of distinguished service. He has served under four station officers: Eugene Courtney (RIP), Michael Cassidy, Johnny Fagan, and current incumbent, Steve Owens.

Martin says that his long-time friend, who is renowned for his encyclopaedic knowledge of the highways and byways of the locality, will be sorely missed by his colleagues as he is the “backbone” of the group.
“We have a very united crew and Pat is a huge loss to us,” Martin said.