Have you ever wondered about the training undertaken by Community First Responder (CFR) groups? These individuals, many who start without any prior medical or first aid experience are equipped with the skills to provide basic life support when it matters most, bridging the critical gap until advanced care arrives.
Every year in Ireland, over 5000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. These moments are time sensitive and life threatening, where every second counts. This is where CFR groups come in, playing a vital role in improving survival rates. Thanks to their efforts, Ireland boasts an impressive statistic: in cases of out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), bystander CPR is performed 83% of the time, often within minutes of the patient collapsing.
This is the result of ongoing training and community empowerment led by organisations like CRITICAL. By teaching everyday people life saving techniques, CFR groups are changing outcomes and saving lives.
CFR groups aren’t just teams, they’re the heartbeat of their communities. They prove that anyone regardless of their background, can step up and make a difference. Training focuses on the basics of life support, including CPR and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). These techniques may seem simple, but they are the foundation of the “chain of survival.”
The chain of survival is a series of critical steps that can significantly improve the chances of survival in emergencies like cardiac arrest. It begins with early recognition and the call for help, followed by immediate CPR and defibrillation, and finally advanced care from emergency medical services (EMS).
As Edward Walsh, Head of Operations at CRITICAL puts it: “The chain of survival starts with you.” This powerful reminder emphasises that the actions of bystanders, ordinary members of the public, are often the difference between life and death.
When communities are trained and empowered, they become stronger, more connected, and ready to face emergencies together. This is what drives CRITICAL to expand their reach and train as many people as possible.
Imagine the ripple effect, one person trained in CPR could be the link that saves a neighbour, a friend, or even a stranger. The knowledge doesn’t just stay with them, it inspires others to get involved and builds a collective force for good.
At CRITICAL, the mission is clear: train, empower, and inspire communities to act. Together, we can strengthen the chain of survival and ensure that no one faces an emergency alone.
Because in those critical moments, every second, and every person counts.